Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Dorchak.
Christine, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Formed in 2001, GREY2K USA Worldwide is the largest greyhound protection organization in the United States. As a non-profit advocacy group we work to pass stronger greyhound protection laws and to end the cruelty of dog racing on both national and international levels. We also promote the rescue and adoption of greyhounds across the globe.
The inspiration for my work with GREY2K USA dates back to 1992, when my dog Kelsey and I were struck by a speeding train during our morning walk. Kelsey managed to pull us slightly off course, preventing a head-on collision and saving our lives. When I awoke from a coma, my first words were, “How’s Kelsey?” I promised right then and there that if I could ever walk again, I would devote my life to helping dogs.
My dear Kelsey had suffered a broken hip the day of our accident, but she was to live on until the age of fifteen, dying just a week after I finished law school. She helped me through a long rehabilitation, followed by four years of evening law classes and the early days of our campaigns, staying by my side as long as she could. It is Kelsey’s inspiration that continues to motivate my dedication to her fellow dogs each day. You can see a video about us here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xF1tk7TYzM. I have since adopted two rescued greyhounds, Zoe and then Gina.
I always wanted to obtain a law degree but it wasn’t until my accident that I realized I should become a dog lawyer! To date, I have drafted the bills that ended dog racing in five states plus the US Territory of Guam. I am now part of a team working to phase out dog racing in the United Kingdom, Australia and to close down China’s only dog track, the Canidrome.
My greatest “accomplishment” isn’t really an accomplishment, actually. It is a “commitment,” a commitment to see all greyhound be free from the cruelty of commercial dog racing. My goal is simple, to let greyhounds just be dogs again. They are not racing machines, greyhounds are loving and gentle friends and should be treated as family members just like all other dogs.
In terms of losses, the first Massachusetts ballot question of 2000, in which the greyhounds lost by a margin of 51-49% was devastating. But we believed that we were right, that dog racing was cruel and inhumane – not just in Massachusetts – so instead of giving up, we expanded our goals to end dog racing in the United States altogether. The Grey2k Committee was relaunched and renamed as “GREY2K USA.” Then, in 2013, we became an international campaign and now operate as “GREY2K USA Worldwide.”
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Change is hard. In the past, greyhound racing seemed like a fun pastime. It has only been in the last several decades, thanks to increased education, that people have come to realize that dog racing is a losing proposition for the greyhounds involved. Even dogs that survive may be burdened for life with the injuries and social deprivation caused by the dog racing industry. When people meet greyhounds for themselves, they know this to be true. Greyhounds are their own best advocates!
Greyhound racing is cruel and inhumane, and should be prohibited. The everyday life of a greyhound in the racing world is what concerns me the most. There are industry standard practices in place, and always have been, that subject innocent dogs to a harsh cost-benefit analysis. Even if the industry wanted to change, revenues are in such decline (82% since just 2001) that dog and kennel owners could not afford to improve the living conditions of its greyhounds.
Secondly, injuries are a fact of life in racing. There is no way to “regulate out” injuries and that is why we are calling for its end.
Thirdly, there is no birth-to-death tracking of dogs in the racing world. No one knows how many greyhounds that are born live past their puppyhood or their early years of life. This is one of the deep dark secrets of the racing industry both here and abroad.
While racing, greyhounds are kept confined in warehouses, inside small, stacked cages barely large enough for them to stand up or turn around. According to U.S. agency records and industry statements, they stay in their cages for 20 hours or more each day. See more here: grey2kusa.org/confinement
Greyhounds are fed the poorest meat available, called “4D” by the USDA because it is the meat of downed, diseased, dying and dead livestock, deemed unfit for human consumption, and sold to the industry for a pittance. See more here: grey2kusa.org/4Dmeat
When let out of their cages to race, dogs suffer the risk of serious injury. Records show that nearly 3,000 dogs were reported as injured at one track in West Virginia. In Massachusetts, a dog was injured every 3-4 days as long as racing continued, and similarly in New Hampshire, nearly 1,200 injuries were reported from 2005-2008. In Arizona, a dog was injured on average every two days and in Florida, a racing greyhound dies every three days. See more here: grey2kusa.org/FLdeaths
GREY2K USA was the first organization to successfully outlaw dog racing using the referendum process. In November 2008, the citizens of Massachusetts chose compassion over cruelty and voted 56-44% to close down the commonwealth’s two dog tracks. Since our formation, thirty dog tracks have closed for live racing all across the country and the number of states with dog racing has been cut by more than half. There were 49 tracks in 15 states when we started, and now, with the recent closure of Tucson Greyhound Park, there will be just 19 tracks in 6 states.
Additionally, we have successfully fought to block the expansion of dog racing to new countries. Efforts to legalize dog racing in Jamaica (2009), the Philippines (2009), South Africa (2010, 2014) and Punjab, India have all failed thanks to a joint effort with groups in those jurisdictions over the last several years.
Now that the public is increasingly aware of the cruelty involved with greyhound racing, it is time for real change to take hold. Young people are less and less attracted to be involved with this industry as patrons or otherwise. The trend is definitely with the greyhounds.
Please tell us about GREY2K USA Worldwide.
GREY2K USA is the leading international organization working to save greyhounds and I am proud to use my legal skills to help end dog racing. In fact, I may be the only racing lawyer in the world working against the industry instead of for it!
Commercial dog racing will end very soon, due to the public’s increasing awareness about the injuries and deaths of racing greyhounds and the tax breaks and subsidies afforded this cruel industry. By way of example, the racing industry has been a regular beneficiary of tax breaks and special subsidies given just to cover operating costs. In 2000, the year before GREY2K USA was formed, the legislature of Florida granted an annual $14 million tax reduction to the state’s tracks! But now lawmakers are looking to abolish live racing altogether. In Ireland, lawmakers there are calling into question the millions that the country is spending to keep this cruel industry alive. Chinese officials have recently ordered the closure of its only legal dog track, another sign that dog racing interests are in growing disfavor. In England, revenues are down 43% since just 2006! Things are really changing for the better.
Gambling on greyhounds now represents less than 1% of wagers made each year in the U.S. Breeding for racing has been more than cut in half in the last few years, and national revenue has declined by 82% since 2001. The very heart of dog racing (Florida) is now rejecting the “sport” that it once welcomed. As Americans, my team feels a special responsibility to end dog racing everywhere. This cruelty was invented here and we mean to wipe it out wherever it exists. The question is not “if” dog racing will end, but “how soon!”
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My life really began anew after my accident in 1992. It was then that I looked at the world with fresh eyes, and promised that if I ever should get up from my hospital bed again, I would work to help dogs. At the time, I did not know how I would do this, but I was determined to realize this goal. I had always wanted to become an attorney, and when I realized that dogs, especially greyhounds were caught up in a cruel industry and needed “representation,” my decision was made.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.GREY2KUSA.org
- Phone: 781-488-3526
- Email: christine@grey2kusa.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/grey2kusa
- Twitter: @GREY2KUSAWorldwide
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Emily Spadafora
June 14, 2017 at 2:28 am
Thank you for this greyt article! Christine & her organization have done so much for the fight to end the horror that is dog racing. Their dedication to Greyhounds is so inspiring, it’s wonderful to see them recieve recognition for all their hard work. Keep fighting for the dogs, Christine, we’re with you all the way!
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 2:44 pm
Thanks for being such a great part of this team to save the greyhounds, Emily!
Jay Kirkus
June 14, 2017 at 2:33 am
Great article and background on the cruel dog racing industry. I’ve been working with Grey2k for years on many fronts. Christine and her team’s commitment is insatiable. So much accomplished yet so much more to do, and Grey2k will be there dedicated to ending dog racing.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 2:45 pm
Jay, every day brings us one step closer to ending this cruelty, doesn’t it? Thanks for always being there for the dogs. I will also remember you Madeleine ….
nicholas gilman
June 14, 2017 at 2:35 am
It is about time this woman and her work (and Grey2kUSA) were recognized for the great work she does. Christine and her husband work tirelessly on behalf of animals, specifically greyhounds, and have been successful in advocating, legislating and speaking on behalf of these too-often abused animals. I wish every community could have such dedicated citizens in their midst. Animals and animal-lovers would benefit if that were the case!
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 2:46 pm
We are so honored by your praise, Nicholas! We only hope to be as successful in helping animals as you have been all these years, in so many ways.
Dale Encinosa
June 14, 2017 at 2:41 am
So thrilled to know you are featuring our hero….our advocate to end the cruel “sport” of greyhound racing…Christine Dorchak. Finally after so many years of torture, we are closer than we have ever been to ending it. She, Carey, and GREY2K have an army behind them and we will not stop until every race track is closed and our beloved dogs are free. We have been rescued by 3 very special greyhounds and as each one passed away, we made a promise to each one that we would fight until racing ended. Without GREY2K we would have a hard time keeping that promise made to our beloved Mary, Banjo, and Shalimar. We are so grateful!
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 2:47 pm
The fight to end dog racing in your state of Florida is our number one mission, Dale. Thanks for volunteering all these years and for bringing us closer and closer to this goal.
Patricia J. Hoffert
June 14, 2017 at 2:43 am
Thank you for this article on Christine Dorchak. She has been active for many years to get Greyhound Racing banned both in the USA and in other countries. I appreciate your recognizing her hard work. Christine also has a rescue Greyhound, so she knows of what she speaks. Thank you so very much again for interviewing this wonderful woman.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 2:48 pm
Thank you so much BostonVoyager for sharing our fight to help greyhounds with your audience. Our wonderful volunteers like Pat have been working so hard for 17 years to make dog racing history and to close the books on this cruel industry.
Stephanie
June 14, 2017 at 2:55 am
What a great article. I am very grateful for Christine and Grey2K’s efforts to end dog racing. Additionally their financial support to help our foster dogs has been greatly appreciated.
Greyhound racing has no place in today’s day. Greyhounds existed prior to racing and they will continue to exist after racing is abolished just like how many other breeds are still around despite losing their original “job”. There is still cruelty involved, recent American racing dogs being exported to other countries with no animal welfare laws, cocaine, evidence of abuse based on issues and trauma newly rescued dogs have… and yes. they are rescued, not retired. Without *rescue* groups, where are these dogs supposed to go? Historically they were killed in brutal ways and put in mass graves. The opposite of that option is being rescued.
I applaud Christine and her team for everything they have done to bring racing to an end. In time, it will demolish.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 3:03 pm
Stephanie, and we all applaud you for your tireless work to save greyhounds in Michigan. Go @MotorCityGreyhoundRescue!
Morgan
June 14, 2017 at 3:04 am
GREY2K has done some amazing things, so happy they’re continuing to work towards fair and humane treatment of these amazing dogs!
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 2:49 pm
Thanks for commenting Morgan and thanks for caring about the greyhounds!
Suzanne Hall
June 14, 2017 at 3:15 am
Read Christine Dorchak’s story of GREY2K USA. Awesome woman! Works very hard for racing greyhounds, who need our voice.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 2:50 pm
Thanks to people like you, Suzanne, the cruelty of dog racing will end soon. Let’s keep working to save the greyhounds!
Steven Grabarczyk
February 5, 2018 at 9:45 pm
Meet the REAL Christine Scammer Nice story but under oath in court you say : “I certainly – my statement is based on the knowledge of myself, and I know that I had no disposition to throw myself in front of a train” (63). The exchange continues in a kind of circular manner that frustrates the attorney, who says, “So the wild, speculative guess that the MBTA had, and you heard that in court as you said, is based upon your fact with your predisposition to know that you did not throw yourself in front of the train?” Ms. Dorchak replies, “I’m in a unique position to know myself.” Losing patience, the attorney says, “Please, we’re going to get – know thyself, that’s right. That’s a good one. You say that you did not – you know yourself and you would not throw yourself in front of a train. That’s what you just said to me.” Ms. Dorchak replies, “That is correct” (63). The circular discussion continues. After a few more futile back and forths, the attorney says, “You say, it did not happen by me throwing myself in front of the train. Is there anything else that you can exclude that did not happen?” Ms. Dorchak replies, “No.” The attorney says, “And the reason for that is because you have no memory?” Ms. Dorchak says, “That’s correct” (65).
KD
June 14, 2017 at 3:17 am
Thank you for publishing this article and shedding light on this effort.
Paul Michaud
June 14, 2017 at 3:32 am
Thank you so much Christine – for caring, for advocating for greyhounds, for spreading awareness about the cruelty of greyhound racing, and for fighting against this awful industry that treats greyhounds like commodities.
Greyhounds are wonderful souls that become part of the family – we currently have 2 rescued greyhounds, our 3rd and 4th rescues. Our first 2 rescued greyhounds passed away after sharing our love, our happiness, and our lives for many years.
These loving dogs do not deserve the mistreatment, injuries, death, doping, steroids, or alienation of being caged that the racing industry gives them; nor do they deserve to be discarded when they stop earning money for their owners. Greyhound racing needs to end.
Please keep up the great work that you do, you have my admiration and support 👍
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 2:51 pm
You are so right, Paul! No dog deserves to live confined in a small cage, forced to eat raw and unsafe meat, and then put out to risk his life every time he is let out to race. This cruelty will be overcome when the voices of compassion, like yours, prevail. Let’s keep fighting!
Janet Deleuse
June 14, 2017 at 3:57 am
I have known Christine Dorchak for many years and as a supporter of GREY2K USA I’m amazed at how much she has accomplished and how truly her and the GREY2K team are dedicated to stopping all dog racing worldwide.
She has positive energy that is a rarity in any field of work. With focus, intelligence and kindness, Christine is saving thousands of lives and opening the eyes of millions of humans to the cruelty that exists in dog racing.
Thank you for featuring Christine and the dogs thank you too!
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 2:52 pm
Janet, thank you so much for supporting our work all these years — as a volunteer fundraiser, by signing petitions and helping spread the word that this cruelty must end!
Eric Jackson
June 14, 2017 at 3:59 am
A wonderful piece! Thank you for featuring Christine and recognizing the incredible work she is doing for greyhounds around the world. Her dedication is amazing. It is an honor to know and work with Christine in this endeavor and to serve as the vice-president for GREY2K USA Worldwide.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 2:55 pm
Eric, as the longtime Vice President of GREY2K USA Worldwide and as a lifetime greyhound advocate, you know how hard it is to fight the corrupt dog racing industry. But it all starts with committed and caring people like you, so let me take this opportunity to thank you for always being there for the hounds. : )
Caryn Wood
June 14, 2017 at 4:02 am
Thank you, Boston Voyager, for recognizing the important and diligent work by GREY2KUSA Worldwide to protect racing greyhounds and to end the archaic practice of subjecting greyhounds to the cruelty inherent in dog racing. I have had the privilege of working closely with GREY2KUSA Worldwide and am pleased to support all that Christine Dorchak has related in your article. I have personally seen the total and unwavering commitment by Christine Dorchak, Carey Theil, the Board, the staff and volunteers in their work for the greyhounds. I have been an advocate for and an adopter of beloved greyhounds for many years, during which I have witnessed the awakening in the public’s awareness about racing dogs for profit, thanks to the previously hidden cruel facts that have been and continue to be uncovered by GREY2K USA Worldwide. Again, thank you for an excellent article and wonderful photos!
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 2:57 pm
Caryn Wood, it is because of you that our campaign to prohibit dog racing in your state of Arizona succeeded at this time last year. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love of these much-abused dogs and for being a role model to me each day. Let’s race cars, not dogs!
Christine Murray
June 14, 2017 at 4:28 am
Thank you Christine for all that you do and have done to end greyhound racing. Your dedication and devotion to a cause you so strongly fight for has my utmost respect. If it wasn’t for bringing the cruel and callousness of the dog racing industry to the forefront, many of these dogs would not have escaped this inhumane life. Greyhounds all deserve to live a life free from abuse, fear and substandard practices. I (also) think they need to know how to be a “dog” not a commodity, a family member not a slave only to be “discarded” after their usefulness was depleted. I am a greyhound foster fail and I thank God every single day.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 2:58 pm
You are so right, Christine. Our mission is simple — we want to make greyhounds just dogs again. Let them receive the same protections and the same love as other breeds and stop exploiting them for their speed. #NoMore#Dog#Racing!
susan pritchard
June 14, 2017 at 5:17 am
Thank you for featuring the work of this wonderful woman and her organization Grey2K.
Christine is tireless in her efforts to end the suffering of greys around the world.
Animals deserve to live cruelty free lives; they do not deserve to be misused for entertainment or profit.
I applaud BostonVoyager for sharing positive, inspirational stories like this!
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 2:59 pm
Susan, thanks for being part of the great team that banned dog racing her in Massachusetts in ’08! Together, we can make this the reality worldwide. Go team!
Denise
June 14, 2017 at 5:38 am
Thank you for your dedication to ending the suffering of greyhounds around the world!
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 3:00 pm
Thank you Denise for caring about the greyhounds!
Sandra
June 14, 2017 at 5:48 am
Great work, please continue so and thank you for what you do for Greyhounds! Never too late to stop Greyhounds industry!
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 2:44 pm
Thanks, Sandra. It is truly only a matter of time and a lot of hard work, but this cruelty will end. The question is not “if” but “when!”
Anon
June 14, 2017 at 10:43 am
Wow! What an incredible accomplishment. A lot of people think GREY2K USA is a huge organization with lots of staff because they accomplish so much! Instead they are a small team with the smarts and strategy to take on one of the cruelest practices. We all love our dogs and we are so lucky to have people like Christine and her team to protect them from suffering in the name of gambling and “fun.” Kudos!!
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 2:45 pm
Thank you for believing in our team!
Marilyn Varnberg
June 14, 2017 at 11:39 am
Thank you Boston Voyager for this wonderful article! Christine and all of Grey2k have done amazing things to help bring justice to our greyhounds and stop this cruel industry once and for all. A great way to introduce the issues to even more people!
Fred Barton
June 14, 2017 at 11:44 am
We could use more Christines in this world. She’s a positive person with a positive outlook who has made a great difference in the lives of countless greyhounds, not to mention the people who are lucky enough to know her.
Connie Sparks
June 14, 2017 at 12:34 pm
Thank You, Christine for all your hard work to save the Greyhounds. We need to change this law.These poor dogs are suffering & being abused. We are their VOICE!! Alos thanks to Boston Voyager for having this article to let the public know what’s going on all over the world.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 2:46 pm
Connie, thanks for being such an enthusiastic part of this team for the greyhounds!
Danielle
June 14, 2017 at 12:50 pm
Excellent article, thanks for highlighting the issue. Christine Dorchak has been a true leader in the advocacy world.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 2:46 pm
Thanks, Danielle!
Kathy Pelton
June 14, 2017 at 1:50 pm
Thanks for this great article about a great person. I have known, Christine, for a number of years and have witnessed her dedication and determination to end this cruel sport of dog racing. There isn’t any question in my mind that Christine and her team will succeed with their endeavors.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 2:47 pm
Together, we can save the greyhounds Kathy. Thanks for being such a great friend to the dogs.
Iris
June 14, 2017 at 2:56 pm
Thank you for featuring the inspiring and dedicated work of Christine and the entire Grey2kUSA Worldwide organization as they work to end this cruel and failing industry. Christine’s passion, abilities and legal knowledge have given a voice to the dogs who would otherwise have no voice.
These sweet, loving animals deserve the same love and care that all of our four legged companions deserve. The countless number of dogs who have been helped by this work is gratifying and I know that Christine and Grey2kUSA Worldwide will not stop until this industry is a thing of the past. Boston Voyager, I appreciate your focusing on Christine and her story and her work.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 2:49 pm
Yes, thank you BostonVoyager for sharing my story and information about our campaign to end dog racing.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 14, 2017 at 3:00 pm
Hi Sandra, yes you are so right. We must keep working, without delay, to end this terrible cruelty to dogs!
Darren Mulqueen
June 14, 2017 at 4:28 pm
Superb article! Thank you for telling the brave story of Grey2k’s inception and its ongoing battle on behalf of tens of thousands killed, abused and exploited greyhounds. They do absolutely incredible work as advocates for those amazing dogs. Awareness of the plight of the greys is spreading widely both in the USA and worldwide.
Dr. Dhadli
June 14, 2017 at 4:29 pm
Thank you Boston Voyager for this insightful article on Christine Dorchack, a woman that I admire and who inspires me. Like many that campaign against greyhound racing, I became involved after a greyhound joined my family. During my early months of researching greyhound racing, being in the U.K., I looked at UK based campaign groups, but also the work of Grey2K, as they are a source of well researched and written articles.
Unlike the USA, greyhound racing in the U.K. is regulated at a national level with a national governing body, The Greyhound Board of Great Britain, which is currently under investigation by the police for fraud. Over 55% of races here are for the betting industry, who describe greyhounds as a ‘product’. Greyhound racing in the U.K. is in decline, this year saw the closure of the last track in London. Currently the greyhound racing industry does not release figures on injury, euthanasia or homing; injury and euthanasia figure will supposedly be made available to certain groups next year, but they do not want the general public to know, as thousands of greyhounds go unaccounted for every year. Recently greyhounds that have raced in the U.K. have been found in China, where there are no laws to protect them and no homing schemes, the fate of these greyhounds is uncertain.
Greyhound racing may be regulated differently in the few countries that it still exists, but the suffering of greyhounds is the same: over breeding; fatal injuries from collisions racing; greyhounds being killed for treatable injuries caused by repetitively racing on oval tracks because it is economical; up to 23 hours a day kennelled and muzzled, some in appalling kennels; cases of neglect, drugging, and being raced with injuries ignored or given lenient disciplinaries; and the disappearance of thousands of healthy young greyhounds deemed not fast enough.
I am very grateful that the greyhounds have a woman as passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable as Christine, with a law degree to boot, to fight for them, to end greyhound racing not just in the USA but worldwide.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 2:53 pm
The greyhounds are so lucky to have you, Dr. Dhadli and thanks for reminding people that this cruelty is a global problem. Invented in the USA in 1919, commercial dog racing was imitated in 7 other countries and non-commercial racing also exists in the Middle East, India and other places in the world. There is much work to do and I am so glad you are on this team!
Dr. Dhadli
June 14, 2017 at 4:53 pm
Thank you Boston Voyager for this insightful article on Christine Dorchak a woman that I admire and who inspires me. Like many that campaign against greyhound racing, I became involved after a greyhound joined my family. During my early months of researching greyhound racing, being in the U.K., I looked at UK based campaign groups, but also the work of Grey2K, as they are a source of well researched and written articles.
Unlike the USA, greyhound racing in the U.K. is regulated at a national level with a national governing body, The Greyhound Board of Great Britain, which is currently under investigation by the police for fraud. Over 55% of races here are for the betting industry, who describe greyhounds as a ‘product’. Greyhound racing in the U.K. is in decline, this year saw the closure of the last track in London. Currently the greyhound racing industry does not release figures on injury, euthanasia or homing; injury and euthanasia figure will supposedly be made available to certain groups next year, but they do not want the general public to know, as thousands of greyhounds go unaccounted for every year. Recently greyhounds that have raced in the U.K. have been found in China, where there are no laws to protect them and no homing schemes, the fate of these greyhounds is uncertain.
Greyhound racing may be regulated differently in the few countries that it still exists, but the suffering of greyhounds is the same: over breeding; fatal injuries from collisions racing; greyhounds being killed for treatable injuries caused by repetitively racing on oval tracks because it is economical; up to 23 hours a day kennelled and muzzled, some in appalling kennels; cases of neglect, drugging, and being raced with injuries ignored or given lenient disciplinaries; and the disappearance of thousands of healthy young greyhounds deemed not fast enough.
I am very grateful that the greyhounds have a woman as passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable as Christine, with a law degree to boot, to fight for them, to end greyhound racing not just in the USA but worldwide.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 2:54 pm
The greyhounds are so lucky to have you, Dr. Dhadli and thanks for reminding people that this cruelty is a global problem. Invented in the USA in 1919, commercial dog racing was imitated in 7 other countries and non-commercial racing also exists in the Middle East, India and other places in the world. There is much work to do and I am so glad you are on this team!
Laura
June 14, 2017 at 5:23 pm
Great profile! Christine Dorchak is a force of nature and now leading an overlooked social reform movement, led mainly by women at the frontlines of greyhound adoption agencies, doing the hard and costly labor of homing these beautiful and gentle dogs. With her law degree and her commitment she is part of a new generation who are moving the world forward toward better treatment of all animals. With the ballot reform initiative, she and her organization changed the history.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 2:54 pm
Thank you, Laura!
Cynthia Rennick
June 14, 2017 at 5:31 pm
Wonderful story! Thank you Boston Voyager for printing a story based on what’s good for the gentle greyhound dog rather than what’s good for those who are making a living off of the dogs! I know of Christine and her good work for greyhounds through her group Grey2K USA. She has done so much to further the cause of ending the cruel business of dog racing and of protecting greyhounds from those who continue to use, abuse and exploit them. I have been involved with greyhound rescue for over 15 years and have seen the cruelty and death that comes with dog racing first hand. These sensitive dogs endure inhumane conditions and suffer greatly at the hands of those involved in the dog racing industry every day. These dogs deserve to be pets, just like the Labrador or the Golden Retriever or the Chihuahua! It’s up to us all to protect them and to end the barbaric practice of dog racing. Many other states have already done so. The public is no longer interested in supporting an industry that exploits dogs for entertainment and profit. They are no longer willing to allow the suffering, injury and death. The USA has outlawed dog fighting, cock fighting and other tortuous forms of “sport” that maim and injure innocent animals. It’s time to end this one too.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 2:55 pm
You are so right, Cynthia! Dog racing is a thing of the past and has no place in modern society.
Don Goldstein
June 14, 2017 at 8:04 pm
Thank you so much for highlighting the wonderful work of Christine and her group. They have worked tirelessly for the welfare of greyhounds and their efforts have truly made a difference.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 21, 2017 at 8:50 pm
Thanks for all you do to help the greyhounds, Don, including the many you have adopted!
Nan
June 14, 2017 at 8:59 pm
Excellent article, Boston Voyager! Thank you for publishing the amazing work of Grey2K. And thank you Christine, from me and my greyhounds. You and your team are magnificent!
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 2:57 pm
Thank you, Nan!
James
June 14, 2017 at 9:28 pm
This is such an inspiring personal story. How one particular moment in a life can be the start of creating change for the benefit of so many animals. I particularly like ‘My goal is simple, to let greyhounds just be dogs again.’ They deserve no less than that and I support GREY2K wholeheartedly in achieving that on a global scale. Greyhounds are abused by racing industries from the US to Australia, from the UK and Ireland to Vietnam and Macau. Luckily it’s a dying industry. Let’s bring this to an end asap.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 2:57 pm
Right on, James!
Caryn Quella
June 14, 2017 at 11:01 pm
This woman, christine has been my hero for years and years now. Thank you so much for writing this beautiful article about her and the greyhounds. She has worked tirelessly for years and years to abolish greyhound racing worldwide! I applaud Boston Voyager for sharing this story. It is such an important one to share!!! Thank you again!
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 2:58 pm
Caryn, thank you for supporting our little team all these years. The end of dog racing will come because of you and so many others that have made the work of GREY2K USA possible.
Derek Lipscombe
June 14, 2017 at 11:32 pm
Loved the article! Who could truly be in support of greyhound racing? It’s time has long passed. Keep up the great work Christine!
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 2:58 pm
Derek, you said it!
Ana Machado
June 14, 2017 at 11:41 pm
Christine is an amazing lady with incredible intelligence and a heart larger than most people in the world. She has dedicated her life to saving our greyhounds. These noble beautiful dogs are being abused worldwide and Christine has made so many of us aware. I have been blessed to have greyhounds in my life. In the past 11 years I have had greyhounds grace my life everyday. My first greyhound was Spike. He came into my life at the age of 2. He was going to be put to sleep because he had terrible seizures. The seizure are an outcome of head trauma and Cocaine which was part of his life as a racing greyhound like others. He filled our lives until he died of Cancer at 10.
Mind you you will read awful things about Christine and all of us who want to stop the races. These comments will be posted by trainers who’s pockets will become very lean once we bring our plight to fruition. But I can promise that Christine will continue to fight hand and tooth until EVERY Track is closed. She is relentless and she will never give up.
Thank you for publishing this great article about Christine and helping bring awareness to the abuse and the crimes these beautiful loving noble animals have to endure behind the closed doors of the trainers. Along with Christine Dorchak WE WILL PREVAIL and these dogs can live the life they deserve.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 3:00 pm
You are so right, Ana! You have witnessed the terrible nature of this industry first hand and I know you will not stop until it ends!
Maureen Lucas
June 15, 2017 at 2:52 am
Thank you, Boston Voyager, for the piece on Christine Dorchak and her work in behalf of racing Greyhounds. How dog racing is still seen as a “sport” by some is a mystery. We all can shudder about turning 101 Dalmatians into a coat, and yet thousands of Greyhounds end up discarded and killed annually. Christine’s work for racing Greyhounds is an inspiration and will save countless lives. Thank you for sharing her story.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 3:03 pm
Thanks for your kind words, Maureen and for pointing out the terrible killing of greyhounds each year.
Sherry Mangold
June 15, 2017 at 4:23 am
Thank you Boston Voyager for recognizing the incredible work of Christine Dorchak and Grey2K USA-Worldwide.. Christine has factually exposed the atrocities involved with greyhound racing both on the track, itself, as well as those occurring behind the scenes. Her tireless work continues to close down the tracks and procure loving, forever homes for these sentient beings. When Christine completes her work, greyhounds will no longer be commodities used to line the pockets of the “trainers” and unscrupulous breeders. I commend the Boston Voyager for being a highly respected voice for Christine’s work and the greyhounds.
Christine A. Dorchak
June 15, 2017 at 3:02 pm
Sherry, these dogs deserve a voice and they deserve to be free. Thanks for working so hard to combat animal cruelty in your state of New Mexico and for teaching children the benefit of humane living through teaching programs like our own “Greyhounds in the Classroom.”
Beverly Alba
June 15, 2017 at 7:02 am
Thank you for your recognition of Christine Dorchak, a notable and worthy local pioneer who has dedicated her professional life to ending commercial racing of greyhound dogs worldwide. The story of local advocacy, dedication and perseverance has evolved into a most remarkable international impact on the welfare of thousands of greyhounds: revealing a sordid history; uncovering government subsidies and injuries; shedding light on the living conditions of the dogs; evolving their existence to companion animals and saving lives! There are thousands of hounds howling their thanks!
Christine A. Dorchak
June 21, 2017 at 8:51 pm
Thanks for being one of the leaders of this movement from Day One, Beverly!
Lori Kruger
July 2, 2018 at 11:04 pm
Christine is truly the best of the best. the picture with dear Gina is marvelous. I cannot bear to think of the abuse these poor, dear dogs are subjected to. I’m so thankful this organization exists.
Kati
November 14, 2018 at 6:54 pm
15,000 Greyhounds will now be homeless. Are you proud of yourself? Have you even been to a U.S. track? Obviously not otherwise you’d know they aren’t abused. Your stats are biased hogwashed propaganda; you’ve no clue about their lives. How are they going to be transported from FL to rescue groups, get medical care,find good homes, etc. under virtually insurmountable odds? Where will the money come from? Did you ever even once stop to think about what’s going to happen to these beautiful angels? Do you have any idea what these Greys / our rescue groups now have to face? Our priority is these Greys, yours is NOT. We will likely LOSE this breed now. Thanks alot, my three + three foster Greyhounds send their appreciation as well. NOT!!!