Southland's Track Closing Marks Near End For Dog Racing (2024)

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Southland's Track Closing Marks Near End For Dog Racing? ›

The greyhound track's closing in Arkansas on the final day of 2022 signaled a near end nationwide to what once had been a thriving industry. Other recent track closings also have occurred across the country.

United States of America

Southland Greyhound Park in Memphis was the only operational track in Arkansas, but ended live dog racing in 2022. Greyhound racing remains legal in the state, however, as a prohibition has not yet passed into law.

Beginning in roughly 1990, and continuing over the next three decades, the vast majority of greyhound tracks have closed due to declining betting revenue, encroachment by Native American gaming and commercial casino gambling into states with greyhound racing, the legalization of sports betting and concerns over the ...

Three years ago, Southland Casino Racing and the Arkansas Greyhound Kennel Association reached a pact to gradually phase out live greyhound racing at the West Memphis track by Dec. 31.

Cruel methods are often used to dispose of unwanted dogs and the dogs who do survive in the industry are forced to live in cramped crates, pens or fenced enclosures. Many racing dogs suffer injuries while racing; according to state records, a racing greyhound dies every three days on a Florida track.

Southland Park Gaming & Racing is one of 13 properties owned by Delaware North Companies, Inc..

COVID-19 and final service termination

COVID-19 caused a 95 percent drop in ridership. Thus, Greyhound reduced service on March 25, 2020 and suspended six routes on April 5, 2020. On May 6, 2020, Greyhound Canada announced it would permanently shut down all its remaining bus services which it did on May 13, 2021.

Many are familiar with the sport where greyhounds race around a track, chasing a mechanical hare to the finish line. Once a sport deeply ingrained in British culture, greyhound racing's popularity is thankfully declining.

Every year, thousands of greyhounds are “retired” from racing. Adoption groups across the country have been working for decades to take in the constant flow of castoff dogs and place them in homes. When a track closes, the dogs can be placed either in traditional shelters or with greyhound-specific rescue groups.

There are numerous animal welfare issues inherent to greyhound racing. Overbreeding of dogs, problematic training methods, injuries and deaths during training and races, continuing instances of live-baiting, and the fate of unwanted greyhounds all remain significant concerns.

When did Southland Greyhound Park open? ›

At its opening in 1956, Southland became Arkansas's only greyhound racetrack, following in the tradition of the earlier Riverside Kennel Club, which was the first greyhound track in West Memphis.

There are two greyhound tracks in West Virginia, Mardi Gras Casino & Resort in Cross Lanes and Wheeling Island Casino & Racetrack. Races are conducted year-round at both facilities, with a total of 513 race meets held in 2023. A population of nearly 600 dogs race at Mardi Gras and 1,000 at Wheeling.

Soft drinks are complimentary, but there is a charge for alcoholic drinks. Overall, this is a fun casino to visit.

Today, the only states that still allow greyhound racing and have active tracks are Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Texas and West Virginia. There are four states that do not have active racetracks, but still have laws legalizing greyhound racing. Those states are Wisconsin, Connecticut, Kansas, and Oregon.

There are only two operational dog tracks remaining in the United States, both in West Virginia. Commercial greyhound racing is illegal in 43 states. In six states, all dog tracks have closed and ceased live racing, but a prohibitory statute has yet to be enacted.

Taking the top honor for the fastest dog is the Greyhound! They are spectacularly good movers and their tall stature makes for a beautiful picture as they speed by at 45 mph. They are one of the most-gentle breeds ever and are just as happy in pursuit of their favorite small animal as they are lounging by your side.

As the Riders remained on board, the mob hit the bus with bats and pipes, slashed its tires, and shouted insults. After local law enforcement intervened, the bus departed for Birmingham. (Inset photo: Protestors at Greyhound Bus Station. Photograph courtesy Public Library of Anniston and Calhoun County).

Five years later, greyhound racing in Florida is finished, the last dogs are living in adopted homes and the closed kennel clubs are valuable property — but unfinished business remains.

After 29 years in business, the track closed in June 2020 and was bought out by developers Jerome and Leslie Karam of JMK5 Holdings. The couple's plans for the space include converting much of the park into a large concert venue, boasting a 12,000 seat capacity.