International Greyhound Welfare Conference in Massachusetts

The 5th Annual International Greyhound Welfare Conference took place in Hopkinton, Massachusetts this weekend focussing on on welfare and adoption issues concerning racing greyhounds, galgos, lurchers and other crosses.


Topics discussed:

• The current state of greyhounds and greyhound crosses in the American Mid-West, Ireland and Spain.
• Advocate concerns about greyhounds as a breed since racing is in decline.
• The consequences of breeding track dogs with hunting dogs.
• The future of greyhound adoption and protection issues.
• The recently defeated plans for Irish racing greyhounds to be exported to China.
  
• Concerns about the expansion of racing to Asia and South America.

Louise Coleman and John Mottern facilitated the event.

With the following presenters:

• * Irene Blanquez, SOS Galgos, Barcelona
• * Michael McCann, The Greyhound Project
  
• * Mary Organ, Animal Advocate, Waterford, Ireland
• * Dr. Rod Poling, Holliston Animal Hospital
• * Michele Scott, All Star Greyhounds, Indiana
  
• * Diane Ward, Scooby North America (representing Scooby Medina, Spain)
• * Jennifer Watkins, Shamrock Greyhound Placement of Kentucky
  
• * Bernie Wright, Animal Advocate, Dublin

We will be posting photos of the event shortly.