Information on Greyhound Racing
The Massachusetts State Racing Commission protects the health and welfare of the Greyhounds racing in Massachusetts in many ways. Some of the regulations within the rules of Greyhound racing address this issue, as well as a whole section of regulations entitled “The Humane Handling, Care, Treatment, and Transportation of Racing Greyhounds” (205 CMR 12.00). Some of these regulations are highlighted here for you.
A Veterinarian must be on duty to examine the Greyhounds before they race, treat any injuries that may arise, and examine the Greyhounds after they race.
Upon the advice of the association veterinarian, the judges may postpone or cancel races due to extraordinary climatic or track conditions that could endanger the Greyhounds.
The racetracks must provide a temperature-controlled paddock for the Greyhounds before they race and a temperature controlled area to cool-out their Greyhounds after they race. In addition to hoses, the cool-out area must have dipping tanks in the summer to further cool down the Greyhounds.
The Greyhounds are weighed before each race and must be within certain parameters of their “set weight”.
Racing Commission personnel are present at the weigh-ins and veterinary examinations.
Greyhounds from each race are drug tested by Massachusetts State Racing Commission personnel.
Greyhounds must be vaccinated for rabies, distemper, etc. In addition, they shall be vaccinated for any other diseases the Association or Commission veterinarian have determined may be communicable at their facility.
Greyhounds must be free of fleas and tics.
Kennel compounds shall be equipped with smoke and/or temperature alarms and sprinklers and at least one fire extinguisher.
Kennels must comply with all state and local fire regulations.
Crates shall have ample space for the Greyhounds to comfortably turn around, stand, sit or lie down. Minimum dimensions shall be 32 inches wide, 42 inches deep and 34 inches high.
Greyhounds shall not be muzzled in their crates unless there is a valid medical reason.
Kennels must be temperature controlled.
Specific requirements for exercise areas, crates, kennel buildings, bedding, feeding, watering, and transporting must be followed.
The racetrack surface must be heated from beneath in the winter to prevent freezing.
The track must have banking and adequate watering systems to promote a safe surface.
All racing kennels shall be available for inspection, at all times, by the Commission Veterinarian, State Police, or other designated representatives of the Commission. Other entities may also have the authority to inspect the kennels. For instance, the Animal Control Officer of Lynn inspects the Lynn Kennel compound yearly.
Inspections may be announced or unannounced.