Carrie Teal advocates for Senate Bill 2384 to end greyhound racing in North Dakota

The North Dakota House Judiciary Committee convened on March 17, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 2384, which proposes the maintenance of electronic pull tab devices and the elimination of dog racing in the state. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including Carrie Teal, the executive director of the Greyhound Protection Group, who advocated for the bill.

Teal emphasized the decline of the greyhound racing industry, noting that only two operational dog tracks remain in the United States, both located in West Virginia. She highlighted the bipartisan support for greyhound protection laws, citing endorsements from notable political figures. Teal pointed out that greyhound racing is illegal in 43 states, including North Dakota, and mentioned recent legislative trends where several states have moved to outlaw greyhound simulcasting.

The bill aims to phase out the authority of advanced deposit wagering (ADW) companies to offer bets on greyhound racing by August 2027. Teal outlined three main reasons for supporting the bill: animal welfare concerns, the potential link between North Dakota ADW hubs and illegal activities, and the enabling of illegal gambling practices. She presented evidence of injuries at dog tracks and documented instances of illegal betting by a North Dakota-based ADW company in Massachusetts, which led to a cease and desist order from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Teal also addressed concerns regarding the impact of the bill on horse racing, clarifying that greyhound racing accounted for only 5% of all ADW betting in North Dakota, generating approximately $240,000 in tax revenue per biennium. She dismissed claims that the bill would end horse racing, asserting that the ADW companies have limited options for relocation.

The committee's discussions underscored the growing movement against greyhound racing, both nationally and internationally, as more jurisdictions consider banning the practice. The meeting concluded with a call for further deliberation on the implications of the proposed legislation and its potential effects on the state's gambling landscape.