News

Actions

Hundreds of racing greyhounds need homes

Posted
and last updated

Hundreds of greyhounds are looking for new homes as the Tucson Greyhound Park is preparing to stop racing. 

The Tucson track is the last one in the state, but a bill that is expected to be signed into law by Governor Doug Ducey would end live racing in Arizona.

RELATED: Animal welfare groups target greyhound racing tracks

If it becomes law, it would not go into effect until the end of the year. However, the attorney for Tucson Greyhound Park Michael Racy said they are beginning to prepare now. 

That means many of the kennels that have dogs racing at the track are trying to find them adoptive and foster homes. Racy estimated between 300 and 400 greyhounds need to be adopted. 

Kief Manning and his family adopted one of the dogs last week and named her Chenin. They are also adopting another one Friday and plan to take a foster as well. 

The family has taken in about 30 greyhounds over the last 20 years.

Kief said they have never had an issue with the greyhounds being aggressive with other dogs, cats or children. He says they spend most of the day sleeping. 

"They're really easy to take care of because they have been so regimented in their lives that it's not hard to get them on your regiment at your house, they're used to doing what they're told," said Kief.

Chenin is still very timid and Kief said that is how most of their rescued greyhounds act in the beginning. 

"She's, you know, transitioning from the kennel she's lived in for her first two years of her life, but she's doing really well. They've never lived in a house before so you have to introduce them to doorways and windows and refrigerators and stuff," said Kief.

If you are interested in adopting a greyhound, here is a list of rescue organizations in Arizona