Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

Public Safety and Security Committee
                           JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
    Bill No.: HB-6048
               AN ACT PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF GREYHOUND RACING IN THE
        Title: STATE.
 Vote Date: 3/24/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
   PH Date: 3/2/2021
    File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Public Safety and Service Committee
Co-Sponsors:
Rep. Michael D'Agostino, 91st Dist.
Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, 105th Dist.
Rep. David Michel, 146th Dist.
Rep. David K. Labriola, 131st Dist.
Sen. Will Haskell, 26th Dist.
Et Al.
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill would remove from state statute the authorization for live greyhound racing to take
place in Connecticut. Under current Connecticut law greyhound racing could come back into
the state. It is important to note that greyhound racing is illegal in 41 states, as it is
documented that the treatment of greyhound's that race is cruel and inhumane. Wagering
through simulcast will still be allowed in the state under this bill.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None Expressed
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Michael D'Agostino, Representative, State of Connecticut
Rep. D'Agostino is in support of this bill. Testimony from Rep. D'Agostino was written
through the eyes of his rescue dog, Vella the Greyt. Dogs are bred to race at all cost. Many
dogs are forced to race with broken shoulders and legs and some never recover from
injuries. The dogs are routinely trained with live rabbits which are killed. Dogs are also
euthanized right on the track in front of other dogs. By banning greyhound racing,
Connecticut will send a strong message we do not want greyhound racing to happen in our
state again.
Nicole Klarides-Ditria, Representative, State of Connecticut
Rep. Klarides-Ditria is in support of this bill. As Co-chair of the Animal Welfare Caucus, she
feels it is important for Connecticut to enact this piece of legislation. Though Connecticut has
currently no greyhound racetracks, it was a popular pastime. It was with the help of advocacy
groups, we learned of the cruel treatment of these dogs. Greyhounds that are retired face
even a worse treatment as they age and become unprofitable, they are euthanized or
carelessly discarded.
Jo-Anne Basile, Executive Director, CT Votes for Animals
Ms. Basile is in support of this bill. Greyhound racing and its attendant live lure baiting is a
cruel and grossly inhumane form of gambling. The financial decline of greyhound racing in
Connecticut caused its last track to close in 2005. This decline is a reflection of the publics
disdain for the abusive tactics associated with racing. The technical loophole that exists in
which greyhound racing could resume is shocking. Passage of HB6048 will formally close
the statutory book on live greyhound racing in CT.
Christine Dorchak, Esq., President GREY2K USA
Ms. Dorchak is in support of this bill. Commercial greyhound racing was introduced in 1976
decades after dog racing became legalized in other states. Due to the decline in wagering
both Connecticut tracks were closed by 2005. Shoreline Star in Bridgeport remains open for
simulcast wagering. This bill has no effect on this activity. Local track owners and their allies
have no illusions that dog racing may again become popular or viable. On behalf of our
thousands of members in this state, Ms Dorchak supports this bill.
Annie Hornish, Connecticut Senior State Director,The Humane Society of the United
States
Ms. Hornish writes in support of this bill. Greyhound racing is associated with horrific animal
welfare problems and is now illegal in 41 states, including our neighboring states, Maine,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. This
will remove from statute authorization for live dog racing, an activity that ended in Connecticut
long ago.
Elizabeth Abbe                                           Amy Mallardi
Rosamund Downing                                         Barbara Rudnick
LuAnn Giunta                                             Julie Stankiewicz
Patricia Harmon, PhD.                                    Sherry Weirnicke
Sue Kautz
                                                                           Page 2 of 3 HB-6048
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None Expressed
Reported by: Bonnie Gray, Asst. Clerk   Date: 3/31/2021
                                                      Page 3 of 3 HB-6048
Statutes affected: 
Committee Bill: 12-574c, 12-574a, 12-575, 12-578, 12-559, 12-574d
PS Joint Favorable: 12-574c, 12-574a, 12-575, 12-578, 12-559, 12-574d
File No. 298: 12-574c, 12-574a, 12-575, 12-578, 12-559, 12-574d