Local Weather
News Sports Its Your Business On The Town Close To Home For Your Health Tech Know Obituaries Archives

Greyhound racing to end in Bay State

By Thor Jourgensen / The Daily Item

REVERE - Tuesday's ballot question banning dog racing failed in Lynn, Saugus and Revere, but statewide support for Question Three spells the end for an industry that once drew crowds to the sprawling North Shore Road racetrack.

"There go our jobs," said Leslie Deland, a 15-year Wonderland worker who currently works at the track selling Keno cards and Lottery tickets. Her daughter, Virginia, works in the track commissary.

A coalition of racing foes mustered thousands of signatures to put the ban on the ballot and campaigned across the state, urging a phase of what one proponent called "a dying industry" by 2010.

"Voters have sent a clear message that we will not tolerate an industry that causes thousands of dogs to endure lives of terrible confinement and many to suffer serious injury," Question Three spokesman Carey Theil said.

Voters in Lynn, Revere and Saugus where track workers and kennel operators live, defeated the question. Ironically, Three's statewide win came after two pieces of financial good news for Wonderland.

The track paid off a $752,000 property tax debt last week and, in August, signed a tentative deal to join forces with Suffolk Downs in a bid to attract casinos to the tracks.
Wonderland applied for what now appears to be its last racing schedule in its three quarter century history on Oct. 30. The Racing Commission will vote on the schedule on Nov. 15.

Deland and 350 other people work at Wonderland, many of whom live in Revere. Ban proponents claim assistance can be made available to help the workers find new jobs but Deland said many of the workers are over 65.

"Where are we going to go?"



printable version e-mail this story

Reader Comments

Comments so far on this story:

22div7 wrote on Nov 18, 2008 1:41 AM:

" JDIVA: Also- Have you ever seen an emaciated deer? One Pic? They're the ones that are suffering due to the humans' overpopulation. The building of McMansions in wilderness areas hurt wildlife. Hunting is the only solution other than keeping people's homes out of wilderness areas.
Do you know how much money hunters put into wildlife conservation? Far more than PETA! Check the NRA website if you want the real truth. "

22div7 wrote on Nov 18, 2008 1:38 AM:

" JDiva: It's all the same thing. Do you eat chicken or steak or fish? They're all animals. And please - don't talk to me about PETA. They're the most extreme organization on the planet.
Just an FYI... humans haven't always hunted animals for sport, and in many many many areas this is still the case. People hunt animals for food.
Name any area of this country - Adirondacks, Southern wilderness, Midwest, Northwest corridor, et al, and you'll see that the majority of hunting folks hunt for food. "

JDIVA79 wrote on Nov 17, 2008 3:41 PM:

" 22div7: I think the way animals are treated before they are slaughted for food is cruel. But thats really a discussion for another topic. Want more info visit PETA. "

JDIVA79 wrote on Nov 17, 2008 3:16 PM:

" "Taxed Man" I own 2 cats and I don't "FORCE" them to do anything. I also volunteer at a shelter and those animals love everything we do with them. There's a diff between a happy animal and a miserable animal. Also "22DIV7" I meant humans hunting animals. I don't understand hunting & killing animals purely for sport. I think it's cruel. "

lookwhostalking wrote on Nov 14, 2008 5:15 PM:

" These poor dogs would be better off resting in peace then being tortured until their dying day. Save the dogs not the jobs. Where is the humanity from these people who say these dogs were so well taking care of. They are ony interested in their jobs. I find that awful "

theinsider wrote on Nov 14, 2008 12:13 PM:

" I wonder how many people that voted for the ban will be first in line to adopt all the grey hounds who will be sitting in cages at rescue centers waiting for there perfect home. "

elroy wrote on Nov 13, 2008 1:03 PM:

" So Lip, you can organize a coup d'etat; topple over the state government; appoint yourself Fuhrer of Massachusetts; get rid of the people you deem undesirable; remove any laws you personally disagree with; unilaterally make laws that you want; and then finally you will be happy, right? "

22div7 wrote on Nov 13, 2008 5:38 AM:

" The Greyhound was bred for coursing small game. You can guess the direction I'm going here...
It is not inhumane to allow a dog to live up to it's specifically bred purpose.
By your argument, it's inhumane to eat a cow, chicken, pig, turkey or anything else, I suppose. They are, after all, forced into the worst form of "slave labor," right? "

22div7 wrote on Nov 13, 2008 5:37 AM:

" JDIVA79: I'm torn. You make such an intelligent statement in your second comment but such a naive statement in your first. How can you lump hunting into the same sentence with animal abuse and dog fighting?
Dogs like any other domesticated animal, have been bred with specific intent over hundreds of years to accomplish specific tasks. My labrador retriever is never happier than when he is retrieving something (duck) from water. If you've ever seen a Border Collie, or a Rottweiler herding livestock you'll see that same gleam in their eyes too. ----continued "

lookwhostalking wrote on Nov 12, 2008 6:53 PM:

" If they overturn our vote as u.s.citizens to get their way i have had it with this country. I wish I could leave not just lynn but the whole country. This place has gone down the tubes. The poor bailing out the rich. The citizens right to vote overturned for gain. This place is horrid. The rich and famous for years now taking the poor persons tax money so they can keep their lifestyle up and we live on the street. No one wants american cars stop making them collect unemployment. "

Lip wrote on Nov 12, 2008 6:14 PM:

" Wow Elroy, the people voted the income tax rolled back to 5% years ago. Funny I don't remember you crying all that much. So much for the will of the people! "

Taxed Man wrote on Nov 12, 2008 12:09 PM:

" JDIVA79, If you don't think "animals should be forced to do ANYTHING", what do yo suggest we do, turn them all loose? After all, you don't want to force them to sit on your lap, sit, go for a walk on a leash, or guide a blind person across a busy street, do you? "

DKY wrote on Nov 11, 2008 9:21 AM:

" Seth - I like your thinking. But remember, this is the city of Revere in the state of Massachusetts. Any grand idea for this land will end up being a pit of corruption. Sorry for being so cynical. "

KnowYourEnemy wrote on Nov 10, 2008 8:03 PM:

" That would be an awful location for a casino. As if the traffic in that rotary isn't bad enough, that would be a nightmare. Plus the blue line trains would be jam packed as well. If they're gonna do a casino in Revere, it's better off at Suffolk Downs. "

JDIVA79 wrote on Nov 10, 2008 3:41 PM:

" Also I agree that they could find better ways to use that land and create alot more jobs than was there before. Why not a casino? Outlet stores with a nice restaurant so people don't ALWAYS have to leave the state go to these types of places. Keep Mass. residents spending money in MASS. "

JDIVA79 wrote on Nov 10, 2008 3:37 PM:

" I am thrilled they ended the racing. I don't believe in hunting,horse or dog racing, dog fighting ect. I don't believe a person or an animal should be forced into doing ANYTHING. It's slave labor unless these DOGS are picking up paycheck every week? DIDN'T THINK SO!! "

mediaseth wrote on Nov 10, 2008 11:39 AM:

" Think of all the possibilities for that land in Revere. If I were Revere, I would not allow it to fall into the hands of a single developer but split it into a few lots for some variety and a better chance at success. I bet more jobs will be created than were lost in the long run if the right sort of development goes in there. "

serendipity3782 wrote on Nov 8, 2008 2:41 PM:

" Ok not for nothing but these people have 2 years to look for a job its not like they are going be out of a job by next week.. if they seriously cant find a job by the time they close the tracks in 2010!!!! its their own fault!!!! "

lookwhostalking wrote on Nov 7, 2008 9:28 PM:

" Just look at puppy mills. I personally like dogs over people for the most part. They are loyal, only ask for food and love. I do not like animals being mistreated or mishandled. People will use anyone or anything to make a buck. As far as loosing your jobs well welcome to the real world everyone else is in. We are all in the same boat why should you be any different.

Free the dogs....... "

KnowYourEnemy wrote on Nov 7, 2008 2:37 PM:

" These people will be fine. Haven't you all been paying attention? Obama's been elected and he's going to change everything! We're not going to need jobs, the government will provide us with everything and we'll all be equal and there will be peace on Earth! Woo Hoo! CHANGE! "

StuckHere wrote on Nov 7, 2008 1:18 AM:

" The owners of the greyhounds will probably have to euthanize hundreds of dogs now. Nice work animal rights nuts. Most of them probably never set foot in a dog track and never saw how well the dogs are cared for. These are the same idiots who voted to ban trapping and now have half the state flooded with beaver ponds. They'll come after fishing and hunting next. The lack of respect for property rights in this state is astounding. They already put me out of business with their anti smoking regs. "

elroy wrote on Nov 6, 2008 6:45 PM:

" hopenot, show me a US Wal-Mart or Walgreens owned by a foreigner. The people who buy and start their own business usually work their butts off doing all sorts of jobs that the average Joe Schmoe would not do. I am sure the people working at the tracks can apply themselves and do the same. I can see people complaining if the State unilaterally eliminated dog-racing without a vote from the people, but the people have spoken. 14 months is a lot more notice than most people being laid-off get. "

billbr2008 wrote on Nov 6, 2008 5:07 PM:

" Li$h your husband did not work with dogs trust me you do not call them stables I owned 4 of these dogs and my dogs were never mistreated in anyway and if you think they were then look at your husband as he is guilty of not reporting thids to the racing commission or the police , not nice to lie about this !!!!!! "

papa johansen wrote on Nov 6, 2008 4:54 PM:

" jwg- check your definition of a socialist please...i am about as far right wing as you can get and would rather see anyone in office than barack hussein obama giving my hard earned money to people who did not earn it... this has nothing to do with socialism and everything to do with what is right and humane for living animals who cannot speak up for themselves...

and to Bubawaybo...thanks for your support...anyone but obama on 2012 "

motherof2 wrote on Nov 6, 2008 4:38 PM:

" Exactly JWG! "

jwg wrote on Nov 6, 2008 4:05 PM:

" I hope the people that wanted this passed dont have jobs for others to come after . Your lives are perfect that all you have to worry about are dogs, . What a bunch of socialists telling others how to live and taking jobs away from them.no, i dont go to the track. another thought you dont think that these dogs are going to be going to NH,RI to race in a more lucrative area do you....idiots. spend more time on preventing unfit people from having children, that would be a good cause i would vote for "

motherof2 wrote on Nov 6, 2008 2:40 PM:

" 14 months to find a job, along side all of the people that are being laid off right now due to the economy? Are you kidding me? I ask again Aunty, what company is it that YOU own, so they can come there and get a job. I think people like you should be held responsible to replace what you have taken away from those people. On another note, will any of you be adopting these greyhounds as well? "

buba wayy bo wrote on Nov 6, 2008 2:31 PM:

" PAPA JOHANSEN IS MY IDOL!!! PAPA JO FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Li$h@&W33zy wrote on Nov 6, 2008 2:17 PM:

" its about time !!!!!!! my husband used to work with these dogs in the stabels he used to feed and care for them, and from what i hear thoese pour dogs sufferd thats why my husband quit. "

aunty wrote on Nov 6, 2008 12:23 PM:

" MOTHEROF2: People having to work at 65 is terrible as it is. If they are unfortunate enough (as we may all be) to not have savings or retirement then moving jobs may be a step up. It is possible they can get higher paying jobs. As for where I work - not relevant - if you take the time to look on Craigs list there are a lot of jobs on the north shore in the retail business. As said before 14 months is a long time to find a job. They are not being thrown out on the streets. "

IUPG8108 wrote on Nov 6, 2008 12:06 PM:

" Read the article in
THE NORTHSHORESUNDAY, VOL. 31- NO.49-November 2, 2008, Page 5,- To the Editor
Trainer speaks out againist Question 3.
Read this article as it speaks the truth.
People voted for this Question to pass and they don't have all the facts. "

papa johansen wrote on Nov 6, 2008 11:46 AM:

" These people have over 1 year to find new jobs...If they want, I will pick them up applications at 7/11...You do not have to be a rocket scientist to run a keno ticket...And even better, now all the degenerates that bet on these races will get out of MA and head up to Seabrook everyday "

lynnkidforlife wrote on Nov 6, 2008 10:17 AM:

" Only an idiot would believe a person would in invest money into something like this and treat the thing they are passionate about badly. What scare tactics these animal rights groups used. People are so dumb. I'd like to make a prop question. Everyone who voted against working people having jobs will have to either find 1 person that lost their job and new one or give up theirs to them. So don't say it's easy to find another job. "

dd420 wrote on Nov 6, 2008 7:25 AM:

" Its a disgrace this question passed because of a small group of animal rights people who spread lies about how the dogs are treated. Good job voters eliminating jobs for actual Humans. "

hopenot wrote on Nov 6, 2008 12:07 AM:

" all thi is about money just one more walgreens or walmart or dunkin dounts owned by people from other countries so the can send it home and invest in terrorisum..just one more thing in the life of americans down with everything that we all onced enjoyed ..even the people who complain i bet were at a dog track once in there life time as all of us were even out of curitousy...to bad another icon bites the dust just like drive-in movie theaters all the space they took up is now car dealears ,,whats next "

motherof2 wrote on Nov 5, 2008 11:23 PM:

" Hey Aunty, are you going to hire these 65yr old cashiers that don't have enough to retire, or we can't offer enough social security (because of all the lazy young people are already cashing in with their ADD)for them to retire? What's the name of your company so we can post it and send them over there? I never thought I'd see the day when the liberals would take over and value an animal over a human and it would actually pass. "

billbr2008 wrote on Nov 5, 2008 9:05 PM:

" Lynn12 you do not know what the heck your talking about these dogs are not mistreated and if anybody is drugged it is you , I owned 4 of these greyhounds and each one cost about $2500.00 do you think I would let someone abuse my dogs I think not , so first of all get your story straight "

hillman wrote on Nov 5, 2008 6:46 PM:

" RICK FORD YOU CAN NOW WORRY ABOUT YOUR JOB LIKE THE AVERAGE CITY WORKERS. FORD WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND. "

Lip wrote on Nov 5, 2008 6:03 PM:

" Look out horse racing and the circus. The animal rights nazis are coming for you! "

Resse's wrote on Nov 5, 2008 3:57 PM:

" So glad this question passed. No animal should have to live like they have. Lynn12 is exactly correct. Why don't the employees race each other and have people bet on them? "

aunty wrote on Nov 5, 2008 3:17 PM:

" I would like to say I feel for the employees but I don't. They have 14 months to get jobs. It is not as if they have major careers. The employee interviewed in this article was a cashier for the Keno booth. Every restaurant and convenient store in a 15 mile radious has one of those. There are maintenance people, food people, drivers, accountants ticket people these are all things that can be done at other businesses. If they love animals so much why don't they spend time working with the MSPCA,volunteering at a shelter. "

catanddog wrote on Nov 5, 2008 2:32 PM:

" Think about all the people who treat their house pet badly. The man who yanks he dog down the beach when it don't want to walk. the woman who let her kids ride her bulldog. the people who keep the dogs locked up all day in the house. Take away pets too!!!! "

munster705 wrote on Nov 5, 2008 1:38 PM:

" Anybody that opposes the shutting down of Wonderland needs only to walk through that place on a Friday night. Is it worth dog's lives and suffering to have that rathole remain open. I feel sorry for the people that work there, but other jobs are out there. You have more than a year to find another job equivalent or better than punching keno tickets or walking the dogs onto the track. I am sure that this is a possibility. "

bomber wrote on Nov 5, 2008 12:40 PM:

" Well at least you can thank god barak hussein obama got elected to the highest office. You folks should have no trouble getting welfare and food stamps as well as public housing from the democrats that will be robbing the working families that still remain in this state. "

jefbou37 wrote on Nov 5, 2008 11:42 AM:

" So more unemployed people in the state. This was to protect the dogs not the people. What will happen to the local dogs now? Send them to the Kennel? Put them to sleep? I know that all the dogs will not be adopted.
Also we can drive to NH and spend our money there. "

lynnkidforlife wrote on Nov 5, 2008 10:42 AM:

" What a joke this is. So many people lose their jobs. I guess people think Dogs are more important than the livley hood of the good citizens of the state. How big of a loss in taxes will this be. Get ready for a tax hike. BUT THANK THE GOOD LORD ABOVE THAT THE DOGS ARE SAVED! What a joke. "

rufus617 wrote on Nov 5, 2008 9:27 AM:

" Should have saved some of that tax settlement for severence. "

lynn12 wrote on Nov 5, 2008 9:25 AM:

" hey - why dont we beat and dope up the employees, and then bet on them running aorund in circles? The losers lose their homes and get left on the side of the road. Good idea? "

lynn12 wrote on Nov 5, 2008 9:23 AM:

" who cares? Each year dozens of dogs are killed. drugged, beaten and abandoned. I voted to end this stuff because each and every race is stressful for the dogs and they are not well cared for. Good riddance to this shameful practice. "

Junebug o_O wrote on Nov 5, 2008 8:57 AM:

" These people will be able to collect unemployment for a year after they are let go.
This was inevitable. You hate to see anyone lose their jobs but it happens.
The people have let the state know what needs to be done with these 2 tracks. "

rccpuck82 wrote on Nov 5, 2008 8:26 AM:

" WHAT'S NEXT??? HORSE RACING??? THERE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS THAT THIS STATE/ COUNTRY NEED TO START WORRYING ABOUT... "

billbr2008 wrote on Nov 5, 2008 7:54 AM:

" To REP David Flynn You did nothing for Mr Carney and Raynham except took his money , you promised him you'd help him but you really did nothing but sit on your fat little (u no what) your a descrace to be a rep "

billbr2008 wrote on Nov 5, 2008 7:50 AM:

" How did they abuse these dog , why don't they band pittbulls , pitbulls are a dangerous breed , greyhounds are breed as athletes they run and that is it , where are these animals activist they are like the Three Stooges deaf,dumb and blind ,these activist do not like aminals , Horse Racing is next for these idiots "

sickerman wrote on Nov 5, 2008 7:47 AM:

" I'm just curious how they feel about the thousand or so people that will be out of work in time for the holidays... "

kimber1911 wrote on Nov 5, 2008 5:26 AM:

" time to take up marijuana! The moonbats have really done it this time.

Let the banning begin! "


Feedback Rules

  • Do not issue threats of any kind.
  • Do not use profanity or attempt to disguise profanity.
  • Do not post messages using profane or crude names and identities.
  • Do not insult someone else's contributions or wit.
  • Do not disguise or confuse identities by using the names of others.
  • Comments may not load immediately.

Add Your Comments

REGISTRATION IS FREE.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login?
(requires cookies)
  Forgot Your Password?
 

Do not use usernames or passwords from your financial accounts!

Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required!

*Create a Member ID:
*Choose a password:
*Re-enter password:
*E-mail Address:
*Year of Birth:
 

(children under 13 cannot register)

*Zip Code:
 

E-Edition


> Login

Community Calendar

July 2009
S M Tu W Th F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31

> Todays Events
> Submit an Event

ItemPoll
Classifieds Search:

Search Jobs

Search Cars

Search Homes

Place an Ad