Actor Ed Asner, a Kansas City, Kansas native known for his role as Lou Grant on the Mary Tyler Moore Show in the 1970s, recently wrote to Kansas lawmakers, asking them to vote against House Bill 2173 which would allow slot machines at Wichita Greyhound Park to bring back dog racing.
In the letter, distributed by the Humane Society of the United States, which opposes dog racing, Asner wrote, “As a proud Kansas native and animal lover, this is deeply concerning to me and many of your constituents. Greyhound racing is a terribly inhumane activity that has been rejected by Kansas residents and the majority of the American public. Racing events lead to an unacceptable level of animal exploitation and suffering solely for profit. Greyhound racing is a dying industry not only because of its cruel nature, but its economic failure throughout the country, and is illegal in 40 states.”
Owner Phil Ruffin closed the track in 2007, after Sedgwick County voters narrowly rejected slot machines there as well as a destination casino. Ruffin said he could not afford to operate the racetrack relying only upon racing revenue, and has been lobbying legislators to allow a revote for a decade.
Asner, 87, has won seven Emmy Awards and has appeared in more than 360 films and television shows.
