LETTER TO MOBILE COUNTY RACING COMMISSION

Oct 23, 2003 - Greyhound Protection League
P.O. 669 Penn Valley, CA 95946
888.842.4404

Mr. Ed Menton
Commissioner
Mobile County Racing Commission
P.O. Box 1886
Mobile, AL 36633

Dear Mr. Menton:

The Greyhound Protection League is requesting a formal investigation into the recent greyhound fatality that occurred at the Mobile Greyhound Park.

Based on an eyewitness report, a greyhound was involved in a collision that caused an injury to the leg of Gallant Dixie on Friday evening, September 26th. The dog was dazed and limped toward the mechanical lure, where she was then electrocuted. Once the electrical current was reportedly shut down, the lure continued to cycle until it slammed into Dixie, cutting off her leg. She died a short time later, although the cause of death at this point is unknown.
The Greyhound Protection League has reviewed the race results of several dog tracks and found a disturbing and obvious trend of greyhounds that bump or collide around the first turn and suffer career and/or life-ending injuries. In some cases, the collisions lead to a chain of events that eventually involve contact between the greyhounds and the dangerous lure mechanism.

We have found that the majority of dog tracks utilize an outdated lure mechanism that provides very few safety features. We have also found that the following controls are generally absent from these tracks:

* A fixed mechanical arm with a fully retractable arm at any location on the rail. It is our understanding that this technology is in use elsewhere.
* A mechanism by which the lure can be significantly slowed and stopped when needed.
* Replacement of the current, outdated motor with newer technology, such as a properly guarded lightweight motor or other even safer technology.
* The installation of physical barriers, cover plates, drop clothes, etc. that would lessen the risk of a greyhound being physically "caught" in the inside rail after being bumped or collided with.
* Proper insulation of electrical wiring at all points of the lure mechanism and track.
* Proper training to the brakeman, lure operator, lead-outs and track management to handle such an emergency.

It is our concern that the Mobile Dog Track, which in dogmen's terms in considered a low-end track, does not have any of these safety features.

As a result of this fatality, we are asking for a formal investigation into the death of Gallant Dixie that includes, but is not limited to a review of:
* Collision and bumping rates around the first turn.
* Injury and euthanasia rates for at least the 2003 calendar year.
* The lure mechanism design and the potential for re-engineering the lure to provide basic safety mechanisms.
* The existence and effectiveness of track procedures and training that could have prevented this death.
* A review of the video containing the race in which Dixie was killed.

We also recommend confidential interviews with track personnel such as lead out men to determine the frequency in which lure accidents occur. These interviews are being requested based on insider information and statements made by ex-employees that the lure is the cause of many injuries. Such interviews should be conducted without the fear of retribution, and every opportunity should be given to ensure a secure interview and protection of identity.

It is the primary obligation of racetracks to provide safe racing conditions for racing dogs and to ensure a fair race for the betting public.

By way of this letter, we are asking for a copy of the injury and euthanasia log for the Mobile Dog Track for the 2003 calendar year to date.

We would be happy to provide you with the information used in our investigation into this tragic occurrence. We look forward to your response in this matter.

Respectfully,

Lenka Perron
Greyhound Protection League Representative

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