Although they originally thought their wiener dog race would be good fun and a way to raise money, the Boise Host Lions received a letter explaining to them the opposite. The fundraising event is to take place at the end of May.
The Greyhound Rescue of Idaho issued a cease and desist letter to the Boise Host Lions. The letter explains that they are breaking a law from 1996.
The statute says, “Any person participating or conducting a live dog race or pari-mutuel betting on such a live dog race or the training of dogs to compete in live dog races in violation of this section shall be guilty of a felony.”
“The statute for dog racing is very specific and clear,” said Virginia McKean of Greyhound Rescue of Idaho. “Any live dog races in the state are illegal.”
However, in response, the Boise Host Lions explain that their fundraising event is only a fun-run for Dachshund family pets. The race is a short distance (50 feet) and there will be no wagers on any animal.
Is this event actually illegal? As of Thursday April 2, the Boise Police spokesperson Lynn Hightower says that although no formal complaint has been filed the event does appear to violate Idaho statute.
Is this race morally wrong? Should these family dogs not run? Is the Greyhound Rescue overreacting?
Tell us what you think!
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