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Dear Friends,

Thanks to everyone who responded to Friday's alert, made phone calls and attended yesterday's hearing to oppose SB 1282. Our wonderful speakers included former Democratic Representative Nancy Young Wright and local Republican official Joe Romack. HSUS Arizona State Director Kari Nienstedt and I also submitted written testimony to the Committee.

As written, SB 1282 will forbid all local referenda and citizens actions to help greyhounds! Additionally, the measure is designed to promote greyhound racing by allowing Tucson Greyhound Park to start taking bets through new gambling accounts, a system known as "advanced deposit wagering."

Despite the bill passing 6-2, there is consensus on the Committee to remove the preemption language and to add protections for greyhounds, such as injury reporting. Representative Peshlakai voted no, as did Representative Hale. Representatives Orr and Thorpe cast yes votes but said they would vote the bill down on the floor without the types of changes above.

The door is now open to amend the bill with greyhound protections, including injury reporting and of course removal of the pre-emption language. This is the first time that the issue of greyhound welfare has been taken seriously in Arizona, and this is because of you.

Please watch last night's KVOA story about this issue and then stay tuned for more updates. Finally, please take a moment to now thank Representatives Peshlakai, Hale, Orr and Thorpe for speaking up for the citizens and for the greyhounds.

For the greyhounds,

Christine A. Dorchak, Esq. President GREY2K USA

Carey M. Theil Executive Director GREY2K USA

The GREY2K USA Education Fund is a non-profit 501(c)3 educational organization dedicated to the welfare of greyhound dogs. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

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