On Tuesday, November 4, voters in Massachusetts approved the banning of sanctioned greyhound racing in the state, even though the decision will mean 1,000 dog track employees will soon lose their jobs. The decision has incited a lively online discussion that horse racing in Massachusetts should be banned next.
A report on The Boston Globe's website states that, via their decision, the voters rejected "track owners' arguments that the ban would cost jobs at a time of economic hardship in favor of protecting dogs from harm."
According to the article, the well-funded Committee to Protect Dogs ran an emotional campaign which utilized images of "sad-eyed greyhounds that it say are caged inhumanely and raced to injury."
In turn, pro-dog racing factors countered by saying that, if the ban were to be passed, scores of employees would be put out of work during what could be one of the most unstable economic times in recent history. The proponent of greyhound racing also reportedly said that its participants have done nothing wrong and have been following the regulations as handed down by the State Racing Commission.
The hot topic has prompted a wealth of feedback on boston.com, with supporters of both sides of the issue letting their feelings be known. The first of the comments states that horse racing should be the next Massachusetts industry to be banned.
To view the article in its entirety, including the following feedback, click here.
(With files from boston.com)