Issue One- December 2018:

By Mercedes Barreto

Christine Dorchak is president and general counsel of the non-profit greyhound group which aims to end all greyhound racing. Several efforts have been successfully made to continue bringing an end to the cruelty these animals face.

What does the organization do and how long has it been in operation?

“GREY2KUSA is a worldwide is a non-profit greyhound protection group that works to pass laws to protect greyhounds and promote the adoption of ex-racers. Since our formation in 2001, we have ended dog racing in 10 states, and closed down 30 racing centers in the United States, and prevented the expansion of greyhound racing to other foreign countries.”

What fuels, or motivates, day to day operations within the establishment?

“The inspiration for GREY2KUSA dates back to 1992 when my dog Kelsey and I were struck by a speeding train while out for a walk one morning. Kelsey managed to pull us slightly off course, preventing a head-on collision, and saving our lives.  When I awoke from a coma, my first words were, “How’s Kelsey?”.

I promised, then and there, if I could ever walk again, I would devote my life to helping dogs, and that she and I would do this work together.”

Is there an urgent message to potential donors, or to the uninformed and the misinformed, when referencing the cause of this organization?

“The standard of care for racing dogs is extremely poor, and time and time again, the industry’s own records prove that the racing world is no place for gentle hounds.

When not at the track, racing greyhounds endure lives of terrible confinement. It’s no secret when greyhounds are let out of their cages to race, they often pay with their lives. Yet, even as this cruelty continues, attendance is shrinking by the year (the Association  of Racing Commissioners International reports  a 70% decline in wagering on dog racing.)