Letter to the editor: Kansas doesn’t need to reopen its greyhound racetracks

Protect dogs

As a citizen, when I participate in a legislative hearing, I expect to be treated with respect by elected officials. I was shocked when the exact opposite happened last Thursday.

That’s when the Kansas Legislature’s Federal and State Affairs Committee, chaired by Republican state Rep. John Barker, heard

Kansas House Bill 2671. The bill would authorize sports wagering at greyhound racetrack facilities — but to do so, greyhound racetracks must run live races. Racetrack casinos are willing to lose money on greyhounds that are forced to endure a brutal racing life just to offer sports wagering to make money.

Proponents, including greyhound breeders and representatives from the National Greyhound Association and its Kansas affiliate, testified in favor of returning greyhound racing to Kansas, each with four minutes to talk.

When the opponents’ time to speak finally arrived, Barker announced we would have only one minute each. This was disrespectful and dismissive — a slap in the face to citizens trying to participate, and an attempt to silence objections to greyhound racing.

Under this legislation, Kansas would become the only state reopening dog racetracks. Forty-one states have made it illegal. It’s cruel, unpopular and a money-loser.

Barker may work this legislation into the agenda this week. To object, call the Kansas Legislative Hotline at 800-432-3924.

- Terry Garberg, KC Regap, Mission Hills