Carrie Teal advocates for Senate Bill 23 84 to end greyhound racing in West Virginia

A recent meeting of the North Dakota House Judiciary Committee highlighted significant discussions surrounding Senate Bill 2384, which proposes the elimination of dog racing and the regulation of electronic pull tab devices. The bill aims to phase out the authority for advanced deposit wagering (ADW) on greyhound racing by 2027, a move that advocates argue is crucial for animal welfare and to combat illegal gambling practices.

Carrie Teal, executive director of the Greyhound Protection Group, presented compelling arguments in favor of the bill. She noted the drastic decline of the greyhound racing industry, with only two operational tracks remaining in the United States, both in West Virginia. Teal emphasized that greyhound racing is illegal in 43 states, including North Dakota, and highlighted a growing national trend toward banning the practice altogether. In 2018, Florida voters decisively outlawed greyhound racing, and several states have since moved to ban simulcasting of greyhound races.

Teal's testimony underscored three main reasons for supporting the bill: animal welfare concerns, links between North Dakota's ADW hubs and illegal activities, and the state's role in enabling illegal gambling. She cited a study revealing over 10,000 injuries at dog tracks in Oregon and raised alarms about a North Dakota-based ADW company allegedly facilitating illegal bets in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has since issued a cease and desist order against this company for offering illegal gambling services.

The committee's discussions also touched on the potential impact of the bill on horse racing, with some opponents arguing that the legislation could inadvertently harm the horse racing industry. However, Teal and other supporters maintain that the focus should remain on the ethical treatment of animals and the integrity of gambling practices.

As the committee continues to deliberate on Senate Bill 2384, the outcomes of this legislation could have far-reaching implications for both animal welfare and the gambling landscape in North Dakota. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the need for humane treatment of animals and the importance of regulating gambling activities effectively.