In West Virginia, greyhound racing’s days could be numbered
NITRO, W.Va. — At one of the last remaining greyhound tracks in the U.S., dogs with names such as Terracuda and Flyin Jawbreaker outnumber the people watching in the stands.
The race bettors and spectators at the Mardi Gras Casino and Resort in West Virginia stopped showing up long ago. Soon, the greyhounds could be gone, too.
That’s because the Legislature passed a bill to end $14 million in subsidies that benefit dog racing breeders and handlers at the state’s two racetracks. Lawmakers want that money to address a state budget shortfall expected to reach as much as $500 million next fiscal year.
Racing officials believe that if the governor signs the legislation, it will kill the industry and force hundreds to go elsewhere to find work.