World Federation of Greyhound Racing Conference
Sponsored by National Greyhound Association and Held in Miami, FL Trump Hotel
October 19, 2005 – October 21, 2005
A gathering of world leaders in greyhound death
Several months before this event we were asked to participate. Whatever NGAP
can do to increase awareness about this industry that mistreats, abuses and
kills its athletes around the world is worthy of our time. We prepared a significant
media document outlining the horrific events in the U.S. and other places over
the past several years. The Greyhound Network News provided many of the prominent
articles we used in our Release. We got out of the warehouse “Wake up
Judy” – a facsimile of a greyhound with 3 legs with its hipbone
exposed. It represented one of the many greyhounds taken in by Louisiana State
University for research. This University did not have permission of the greyhounds’
owners to do hip replacement research but refused to release any of the dogs,
they ultimately killed them all even though their ownership was transferred
to adoption programs including NGAP. We did a demonstration at Biloxi, Mississippi
where LSU was sponsoring a conference. They certainly knew we were there and
Judy came with us to Florida. We had sandwich signs made for the Republican
National Convention in Philadelphia – they were there too and we made
some new signs. Our demonstration was Thursday, October 20, 2005. In addition
between 1pm and 2pm an airplane flew by with a banner that read: “GREYHOUND
RACING WIN OR DIE! NGAP.ORG.” We had a banner that read “GREYHOUND
RACING – IT’S ALL ABOUT DEATH” and a mobile display driving
by as these track owners sat and leisurely ate their lunch. We were their view
outside the large vertical windows that wrapped around the hotel. We heard later
a comment made by someone on the floor “Oh it’s David Wolf, he makes
his money cleaning greyhounds’ teeth” I think they will never get
it, they will just never realize how many people despise their industry.
It was ironic that as we prepared for the demonstration 15 minutes before it
began I received a call about a kennel in Orlando that 25 greyhounds had a week
to live, could we take any. I told the caller, from Best Friends Animal Society
to call back after the demonstration and they did. I suggested that she contact
the hotel and ask for Gary Guccione, executive director of NGA, and tell him
she had just spoken to me and that I am sure Gary will get them out of harm’s
way. ‘But make sure you mention my name.’
It was a wonderful demonstration, everyone that attended was proud to be there.
Another demonstration was scheduled for Friday, October 21, 2005 at the West
Palm Track but because of Hurricane Wilma, I flew out of Florida – missing
the demonstration, which Judy attended. Copies of the full media release can
be found on our website or can be sent to you by calling our office.
On Saturday, October 22, 2005 our Galgos arrived with Richard and Jennifer
Storm. All four had medical conditions that needed to be treated.
On Sunday, October 23, 2005 six greys arrived from a northeast track. One with
a broken leg and the others covered in fleas. At the World Federation Conference
there was Cynthia Brannigan telling everyone how terrific the industry has become.
HA HA!!!
(Reprint from NGAP's 2005 Winter Newsletter)