A Call to End Greyhound Racing in West Virginia
Governor Jim Justice, along with his dog Babydog, made an appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Almost ten years back, there was hope that the cruel practice of greyhound racing would cease in West Virginia. Legislation had been passed by the state Legislature, aimed at ending dog racing and eliminating a state subsidy of $19 million annually, funds that could benefit crucial state programs like infrastructure and healthcare.
This was not the sole motivator behind the bill. As longtime advocate for animal welfare and president of the Federation of Humane Organizations of West Virginia, Theresa Bruner worked tirelessly for the welfare of animals. The 2017 legislation provided an opportunity for West Virginia to withdraw from an industry that annually breeds thousands of greyhounds, many of whom suffer injuries and face confinement and neglect once they no longer generate profit. However, Governor Justice vetoed the bill, leading to continued operation of tracks and ongoing subsidies for the industry.
Since the veto, greyhound injuries in the state have numbered around 4,000, with 1,367 dogs enduring broken bones and 84 succumbing to their injuries on the track. One such example includes a two-year-old greyhound, GF St Barts, who died in 2022 following a tragic accident at Mardi Gras. A new bill is advancing in Congress, aimed at ending this practice. The bill, currently under discussion in the Senate Agriculture Committee, presents Justice with another opportunity to effect change.
Babydog, who joined the Justice family in 2019, has become more than a pet. She is a political icon, having played a role in the state’s COVID-19 vaccine campaign. Her prominence highlights the importance of extending the care and safety she receives to greyhounds across West Virginia.
While Babydog enjoys a privileged life, many greyhounds are trapped in an industry that relies on state subsidies, with 44 other states having already outlawed the practice. Governor Justice remains in a strategic position to change this dynamic, given the majority support for the Greyhound Protection Act, with 65% of voters in favor, according to recent polling.
An economic study by Ball State University has reinforced the view that greyhound racing provides no real economic benefit to West Virginia. The industry creates no ongoing employment benefits, has no significant effect on the state GDP, and relies solely on allocated funds. These findings make a strong case for redirecting the $19 million annual subsidy to areas residents support.
The Greyhound Protection Act gives Governor Justice a chance for political redemption. Although uncertainty remains about his stance today, Justice’s previous decisions have resulted in persistent industry resistance to reform. Supporting the Act would allow the governor to align policies with public sentiment and animal welfare.
Theresa Bruner urges Governor Justice to back the Greyhound Protection Act, urging him to act in the interest of greyhounds, West Virginia, and for Babydog.
Theresa Bruner serves as the president of the Federation of Humane Organizations of West Virginia.