Meeting Public Comments

Preston Moore [The Humane Society of the United States]

These comments are related to HSB161.We have concerns about opening the door for wagering on international greyhound races particularly those that take place at tracks in places like Mexico and Vietnam where the tracks are consistently recognized as problematic from an animal welfare point of view. Over the last few years, Iowans of all backgrounds have spoken up to Iowa lawmakers in record numbers asking for stronger animal welfare protection laws in our state. In January of last year, the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship, under the leadership of Secretary Mike Naig, adopted several important updates that improved regulations for Iowas licensed breeders, pet stores, and other commercial animal establishments. And, indeed, the legislature heard that call and then passed House File 737, which was then signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds. Iowans, by and large, want to see more protections for animals, and opening the door for wagering on races held on these questionable tracks seems very much counter to the spirit of what Iowans want to see.Today, we urge the committee to only move this bill forward if it is amended to NOT permit wagering on international greyhound racing.