Handsome Freeway Petey

Previously I reported about Freeway Petey – first the initial shock of a Florida racing greyhound who while being transported from one dog track to another fell out of the truck and survived 38 hours in the vicinity of Interstate 75. Then I gave an update on his amazing recovery and the efforts of those people helping him and hoping for him to get better.

Today I am happy to report that Freeway Petey is ready for adoption and all his sutures and stitches have been removed. Hot dog! He is one handsome hound. I last heard that he was in a foster home with other greyhounds and roo-ing to everyone’s delight.

I feel like doing the happy dance here.

According to Gold Coast Greyhound Adoption, Gainesville chapter, Freeway Petey’s life-saving veterinary bill was $10,100. Watch the video.  That doesn’t include the amount ($2,000 to $3,000) written off by the University of Florida Animal Hospital.  And to their credit, the National Greyhound Association (the dog racing industry) donated $500.

Along with many other donations, GCGA is holding an online auction which ends June 24. Please check it out and start bidding.

Is hauling or transporting dogs a black hole with little to no regulation? Does that mean that any schmuck with truck can move dogs from point A to point B? In Arizona, I can think of three horrific hauling incidents:

8 greyhounds die on haul from Oklahoma City to Arizona  (2010)

State cracks down on dog hauler - Oh really?  (2006)

8 or more greyhounds headed for the Juarez Dog Track perish in desert heat  (2005)

Here are some hauling standards according to ARCI (Association of Racing Commissioners International) where the adoption of the model rules by all racing regulatory jurisdictions would provide uniform standards and regulation, a goal of ARCI.  These are suggestions, not requirements.

Tucson Tails hopes that the Freeway Petey catastrophe puts stronger sanctions on transporting dogs from track to track.

ARCI-018-039 Transportation of Greyhounds
(1) When transported within the state or jurisdiction, all greyhounds shall be hauled in crates designated for the sole purpose of transporting greyhounds. These crates shall be a minimum of two feet wide, three feet long and 34 inches high.

(2) When transporting racing greyhounds to and from the racetrack, there shall be allowed a maximum of two greyhounds per crate, provided that there is enough space for each greyhound to comfortably turn about, sit, lie and stand erect. When otherwise transporting greyhounds within the state or jurisdiction, there shall be allowed only two greyhounds per crate, provided that there is enough space for each greyhound to comfortably turn about, sit, lie and stand erect. The crates shall be of sound construction and maintained in good repair to ensure that the health and safety of the greyhounds are not endangered.

(3) The crates shall be of sound construction and maintained in good repair to ensure that the health and safety of the greyhounds are not endangered.

(4) Floors and lower sides of the crates shall be constructed or shall be covered on the inner surfaces to contain excreta and bedding materials.

(5) The crates shall be cleaned and sanitized at least daily, or more frequently as may be necessary in order to maintain a sanitary environment for the greyhounds.

(6) Hauling vehicles shall provide ventilation that reaches each greyhound by means of windows, vents, air conditioner or evaporative cooling system. Air conditioning, or evaporative cooling devices in good working order shall be provided when the atmospheric temperature is above _____ degrees Fahrenheit to provide comfort to the greyhounds during transport. Heat, insulation or bedding adequate to provide warmth shall be provided when the atmospheric temperature is below ______ degrees Fahrenheit.

(7) Greyhounds in hauling vehicles shall be inspected at least once in each four-hour period and their needs attended to immediately. Water shall be provided at each four-hour interval check.

(8) Racing kennels, breeding farms or other operations that receive greyhounds transported from out-of-state locations shall maintain a log. The log shall include:
(a) Greyhound names, if applicable;
(b) Left and right ear tattoo numbers;
(c) Name of owner/lessees;
(d) Date of shipping/receiving;
(e) Purpose (breeding, racing, training);
(f) Name of hauling company and driver.

(9) Newly arriving greyhounds shall be immediately given a physical evaluation by the owner or trainer of the kennel. Included in this evaluation shall be:
(a) Checking for ticks and fleas;
(b) The greyhounds general health;
(c) The greyhound’s health certificate and vaccination record.

If necessary, the administration of any proper treatment shall be carried out within a reasonable period to ensure the health and safety of the greyhound.

(Photo – courtesy of GCGA)