Stoicheff’s Bill Bans Greyhound Racing In State

Greyhound racing would be outlawed in Idaho, under a bill introduced Monday in a legislative committee.

Rep. Jim Stoicheff’s bill would allow the Greyhound Park in Post Falls to continue to conduct betting on simulcast horse and dog races, under a special provision.

“They obviously aren’t going to use it for dog racing, at least right now,” said Stoicheff, D-Sandpoint.

The Greyhound Park ended dog racing last month, saying it had run up millions in debt.

The track now is being leased by Boise’s Les Bois Park horse race track for simulcasting.

When they announced their arrangement, Les Bois officials said they were prepared to hold two greyhound races a year, the minimum required under state law to maintain their simulcast license.

If that requirement ends, “I don’t object to that,” said Chris Christian, CEO of Les Bois.

“It’s really important for the sake of the jobs that we’ll be able to salvage that we are able to continue to simulcast.”

Christian said the Greyhound Park is an important market for Les Bois as far as simulcasting. Last year, simulcasting at the Greyhound Park raised $200,000 for purses for horses at Les Bois, $70,000 for the state’s small track fund, and $70,000 for a breeder’s fund.

“That’s the main reason it’s worth the gamble,” he said.

Christian said he expected the simulcasting operation to use only part of the Greyhound Park, leaving room for other events from car shows to flea markets to conventions.

The simulcasting operation will employ about 50 people, Christian said. Other events could mean more jobs.

Christian, a veterinarian, said if Les Bois is required to continue live dog racing, he plans to name one or more representatives of greyhound groups to his board of directors “to oversee the humane issue.”

The Greyhound Park has been criticized for its treatment of the dogs. Activists hailed Stoicheff’s legislation Monday, saying it’s time for Idaho to put a permanent end to greyhound racing.

“I personally believe there should be no greyhound racing anywhere,” said Rollin Putzier of Post Falls. “That’s what you call animal abuse.”

Jim Ellenwood of Post Falls said, “The dogs were treated with very little respect, and that wasn’t popular here in North Idaho.”

Gov. Phil Batt supports Stoicheff’s approach, said spokeswoman Amy Kleiner.

“The governor does not want dog racing to return. However, he was concerned about just opening it up to where we would have simulcasting everywhere.”

Stoicheff’s legislation declares that simulcasting can continue at a facility that was licensed for live dog races prior to Jan. 1, 1996, “as if the facility were still licensed.”

The Post Falls track is the only such facility.

The bill also would make it a felony to illegally conduct live dog racing.

The committee will schedule hearings.

, DataTimes