CONNECTICUT VETERINARIANS, GREYHOUND PROTECTION LEAGUE AND PLAINFIELD DOG TRACK PULL TOGETHER TO HELP GREYHOUNDS

May 18, 2005 - Plainfield, Connecticut – In an unprecedented response to greyhounds in need, veterinary clinics across the state of Connecticut have signed on to take in nearly 100 greyhounds from Plainfield’s closed racetrack. The announcement of the closuring came just two weeks before the greyhounds ran their last race on May 14th. The news left track employees stunned and hundreds of greyhound racing dogs homeless.

The idea of involving the veterinary community was the brainchild of Dr. Todd Friedland of the North Windham Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Friedland contacted the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and asked them to encourage their membership to provide medical care and adoptive homes through their clientele for some of the Plainfield greyhounds. Dr Friedland requested that Connecticut Greyhound Protection League representative, Melani Nardone, assist in coordinating the effort. “The response has been overwhelming,” said Nardone. To date, 64 veterinary clinics, representing every county in Connecticut, have responded. Nardone is setting up a database, providing adoption information and acting as the liaison between Dr. Friedland and the various clinics while the greyhounds await transport by track employees.

Nardone credits Dr. Friedland with bridging the gap between the League and track management. “Given our out-spoken criticism of dog racing, I think the track is feeling a little uncomfortable about working with the Greyhound Protection League,” said Nardone. “But all of us have been active in greyhound adoptions for years, so it makes sense to make use of our expertise. This is the time to put adversarial positions aside for the benefit of the dogs. That’s all that really counts.”

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