The Ongoing Battle to End Greyhound Racing in West Virginia

Gov. Jim Justice and his dog, Babydog, participated in the Republican National Convention on July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. Almost ten years ago, I thought greyhound racing was on the brink of being abolished in West Virginia. A bill designed to end dog racing passed the state Legislature and awaited action from Gov. Jim Justice. This legislation aimed to repeal a state law requiring greyhound racing and stopping the $19 million annual subsidy supporting it. This money could benefit vital state programs like road repairs or healthcare.

My primary concern has always been animal welfare. I have dedicated my life to protecting animals and served as president of the Federation of Humane Organizations of West Virginia for decades. Since our establishment in 1994, we have been the only organization advocating for animal welfare improvements across West Virginia.

The proposed 2017 bill would have allowed West Virginia to abandon a declining industry responsible for breeding thousands of greyhounds annually, many of which are injured, confined, and discarded once unprofitable. I believed the cruelty and deaths associated with the industry would end. However, when Justice vetoed the bill, the tracks continued operating, the subsidies persisted, and the dogs kept racing in our state.

Since the veto, approximately 4,000 greyhound injuries have occurred in West Virginia. This includes 1,367 cases of broken bones and 84 fatalities. Dogs like GF St Barts, a two-year-old greyhound, died at Mardi Gras in April 2022 after suffering a fatal injury.

Nearly ten years later, another bill to end greyhound racing progresses in Congress. The Senate Agriculture Committee, which now includes Sen. Jim Justice, will debate this matter. I hope he will now support the dogs and cast a vote in favor of Babydog.

Babydog, a family member of the Justices since 2019, became a political icon. In 2021, during West Virginia’s $23 million “Do It for Babydog” COVID vaccine sweepstakes, her presence drove public cooperation. She even featured prominently in Justice’s speeches and campaign materials. Babydog has a notable presence, but the policies behind her political promotion are critical.

Justice encouraged West Virginians to vaccinate for Babydog, which succeeded due to public trust. Presently, he has the chance to show similar leadership for greyhounds who lack Babydog’s privileges. These dogs remain in a race that 44 other states have outlawed, relying solely on state support.

The upcoming farm bill offers Justice a chance to act, proving that the compassion shown to Babydog extends to all greyhounds. Public opinion supports change, with 65% of voters in favor of the Greyhound Protection Act. Only 25% oppose it. In addition, research from Ball State University highlights that greyhound racing offers no economic advantage and survives on diverted funds.

This economic analysis confirms what many have long realized: there is no financial justification for maintaining greyhound racing in West Virginia. After nearly three decades of advocating for animals here, I see numerous better uses for the $19 million annually subsidizing the industry.

The Greyhound Protection Act presents Justice with an opportunity for redemption. A chance to reconsider and rectify his previous decision. Whether he would choose differently today remains unknown, yet his past decision allowed the industry another chance to reform, which it resisted. Meanwhile, 4,000 dogs needlessly suffered.

Justice should endorse the Greyhound Protection Act. He should do so for the welfare of greyhounds and for the people of West Virginia. Most importantly, he should do it for Babydog.

Theresa Bruner is the president of the Federation of Humane Organizations of West Virginia.