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. . . 9 e„, i 1, ,.. Jane 41 n D IL_. g creahwes who deserve better , 0 j C 117 ititif\-a Sit (.iiil:/, A (il ' 1 4)4. -t I ( 1 IJ nd Records Committee )L/tt::44,i;ttiJt '/? ; i. naaison, WI 53709 Dear Committee Members, The Dane County Humane Society represents nearly 4,000 members and contributors in the Dane County area who have serious concern for the welfare of animals involved in the "sport" of pari-mutuel racing. The Humane Society spoke out in strong opposition to the legalization of pari-mutuel racing in any form in the State of Wisconsin. We must now speak out in opposition to the establishment of a pari-mutuel track in Dane County. Dog racing has far too many inherent cruelties associated with the sport to control regardless of the ultimate strength of weakness of the regulations promulgated to regulate the sport. Facts and figures drawn from racing industry publications and from the Humane Society of the United States indicate that the sport of dog racing causes the senseless death of 30,000 to 50,000 greyhound dogs each year that never reach the track. These are the surplus animals from the breeding kennels that never reach the track. We have also found that the use of live lure training of racing dogs in other states is responsible for the deaths of some 100,000 rabbits, kittens, guinea pigs and other small animals each year. While the State of Wisconsin has prohibited the racing of dogs from states where live lure training is permitted, methods of enforcement of this legal provision have yet to be drafted. Industry figures and figures from HSUS also indicate that fewer than one percent of the retired racing greyhounds are placed in homes through adoption programs that brag of a "trend toward adoption" of retired dogs. All too frequently retired racers are placed in medical research facilities. The experience of humane societies in other states where dog racing is allowed is that the racing industry frequently disposes of its excess animals through local animal shelters. Because of the proposal to establish a track in Dane County we have great concern that additional animals from the racing industry could place severe stress upon our already limited resources and inhibit our ability to serve the community. The Dane County Humane Society urges you to carefully consider the above concerns as you continue your deliberations regarding a pari-mutuel race track in the Town of Rutland. Thank you for your consideration. Sincee ely,, Vicki Palmore Executive Director Dane County Humane Society • 2250 Pennsylvania Ave. • Madison, Wisconsin 53704 • 608-246-3340