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Cover Stories Spring 2005 Greyhound Association Files $1 Million Suit Against Magna Portland: The Oregon Greyhound Association (OGA) , representing dog breeders, kennel owners, trainers and kennel workers, filed a $1 million lawsuit against Magna Entertainment Corp. Jan. 20 in Multnomah County Circuit Court, alleging breach of contract for the company's failure to renew its lease on Multnomah Greyhound Park. Toronto-based Magna ceased operation of the track in December 2004, canceling the 2005 live racing season and ending dog racing in the state. A restrictive covenant in Magna's agreement with owner Art McFadden prevents anyone else from holding races at the track for the next 25 years. Magna filed a countersuit Feb. 18, stating the OGA was in material breach of the original contract, citing the OGA's failure to support legislation allowing the Portland Meadows thoroughbred track to conduct simulcasting in Oregon on a year-round basis as the cause of the contractual breakage. Magna also owns Portland Meadows. Under its original agreement with Magna, the OGA received a percentage of the wagering handle to operate the adoption kennel and pay purses, a portion of which provided a "broken leg fund" for injured greyhounds. The abrupt closing of the track cut off funding for the adoption program and the medical fund, which the OGA said leaves hundreds of greyhounds with uncertain futures. Magna sent a written notice to the OGA Feb. 5 ordering the adoption kennel to vacate the track property by Feb. 28. The OGA has since reached an agreement with McFadden allowing the adoption kennel to remain on site through April when funding for the adoption kennel runs out. Kirk Schaffer, president of the Oregon Greyhound Breeders Association, has asked the Oregon Racing Commission for funds to continue operating the adoption program. Schaffer told commissioners, "We have three or four more years to care for these dogs." Commission members urged Schaffer to renew his request at the April 21 meeting. Fifty-five greyhounds have
been brought to the adoption kennel since the track closed in December.
The total dropped to 16 at one point, but the number fluctuates as retired
Oregon dogs return from racing in Florida, Texas and elsewhere during
the winter. |