Sen. Pat Jehlen Receives GREY2K 2014 Leadership Award
On Saturday, October 11, the board of directors of GREY2K USA Worldwide announced awards to key lawmakers in five states. State Senator Patricia Jehlen was awarded the 2014 Leadership Award for her hard work supporting the campaign to end dog racing this year.
“It is important, as a community, that we recognize it is our responsibility to protect all animals,†said Senator Jehlen. “I am flattered to receive the Leadership Award from GREY2K. They make it their mission to protect greyhounds from inhumane treatment and I am happy to stand beside them in their fight.â€
“The Board of Directors of GREY2K USA Worldwide is honored to recognize Senator Pat Jehlen for her steadfast work in supporting the protection of greyhounds. For over a decade, the Senator has fought to bring an end to all forms of betting on greyhounds in the Commonwealth,†said Christine Dorchak, President of GREY2K. “Now that live racing has ended, we look forward to working with her to see the end of simulcast wagering on dogs as well.”
Senator Jehlen has been a longtime supporter of the campaign to end dog racing here in Masaschusetts. Dog racing is a cruel and inhumane practice, through which thousands of dogs endure lives of terrible confinement and suffer serious injuries. In November of 2008, Massachusetts citizens logically passed Question 3 to phase out all forms of betting on greyhound racing by January 1, 2010. Greyhound simulcasting was then extended three times, to allow former dog tracks to apply for expanded gambling licenses, which expired on July 31, 2014. Senator Jehlen is proud that Massachusetts took the necessary steps to end dog racing in our Commonwealth.
GREY2K USA Worldwide is the largest greyhound protection organization in the United States. As a non-profit organization, GREY2K works to pass stronger greyhound protection laws and to end the cruelty of dog racing on both national and international levels. GREY2K also promotes the rescue and adoption of greyhounds across the globe.
– Submitted by State Senator Patricia Jehlen’s office
Good intentions pave the road to hell. Stopping grey hound racing in Massachusetts only sent the dogs that had good conditions here, with vets, clean kennels, love and care, to other states that have inadequate conditions and put these dogs in harms way. Moreover, jobs were lost, people were put into bankruptcy, and lives shattered because livelihoods were killed by “good intentions.” Congratulations on your award, Senator Jehlen. Next time, however, think twice about the ramifications of your good intentions. IMHO.