Depending on who you talk to, greyhound racing in West Virginia is either on its way out or thriving. Carey Thiel, director of the nonprofit, anti-racing organization Grey2KUSA, said following the recent election, anti-racing legislators now are in the majority and probably will reintroduce legislation to end the sport.
Theil said, “I think the legislature should ask itself, ‘Do we really want to be the last state to allow an industry that is resulting in a large number of dogs being hurt?’ I would say to lawmakers who are looking at this, we believe the votes are likely there in both chambers at this point.”
Theil noted revenue from greyhound racing is declining, and most profits go to out-of-state internet gambling operators.
However, state Del. Shawn Fluharty, a longtime supporter of greyhound racing, said Theil’s group is a “propaganda machine,” adding, “Nobody has an idea of what the appetite would be for such legislation. People have seen beyond his lies and misinformation and realize that this industry is thriving. It produces thousands of jobs and millions in revenue.”
Fluharty said greyhound racing profits are higher than ever, and that the sport is both humane and beneficial for the dogs. “You’ve got to look at this industry and see how many dogs who retire from racing become adopted. It’s better than your local shelters,” he stated.
Under state law, West Virginia is required to support greyhound racing operations at Wheeling Island in Ohio County and Mardi Gras Casino and Resort in Kanawha County. The state provides an annual subsidy of about $17 million, derived from casino profits, for greyhound breeders and racing industry participants. Fluharty explained the payments are not a subsidy; they come from casino profits and no taxpayer money involved. Theil still wants to put an end to the payments.
Delaware North owns both of the state’s greyhound tracks. In May, a company spokesman said revenue and attendance continued their 5-year decline, and that Delaware North would support legislation to no longer operate greyhound racing at its West Virginia casinos.
