Dr. A. Morrie Craig holds a PhD in biophysics from a leading public research university in Oregon. As the founder of Willamette Consulting Services, Dr. A. Morrie Craig specializes in toxicological inquiries, focusing on areas such as fungal diseases, phyto-ruminal bioremediation, and drug testing in canines, particularly sled dogs and Greyhounds.
The use of cocaine in Greyhound racing is alarmingly prevalent despite being classified as a Class I drug, the highest prohibited category, by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. Instances of cocaine being detected in racing dogs have been reported over 70 times in Florida, Alabama, and Arkansas since fiscal year 2008. From 2016 to 2017, two Florida racetracks reported 30 instances of greyhound cocaine positives.
Drugs like cocaine are illegally used to enhance the racing performance of greyhounds, despite their adverse effects on the animals’ health. In dogs, cocaine stimulates the central and sympathetic nervous systems and results in abnormal constriction of blood vessels, high blood pressure, and a faster heartbeat. Clinical signs include seizures, restlessness, hyperactivity, heat stress, and death.
The complexity of the problem lies in the potential for human transference of the drug to dogs, and even kennel workers have tested positive for cocaine in some cases. Despite the small quantities often involved, this issue has led to disciplinary actions and fines. In one case, in August 2016, two licensees at Southland Park tested positive for cocaine and were each fined $1,000. The pervasiveness of cocaine in greyhound racing raises serious concerns about the integrity of the sport and the welfare of the animals involved.
The use of cocaine in Greyhound racing is alarmingly prevalent despite being classified as a Class I drug, the highest prohibited category, by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. Instances of cocaine being detected in racing dogs have been reported over 70 times in Florida, Alabama, and Arkansas since fiscal year 2008. From 2016 to 2017, two Florida racetracks reported 30 instances of greyhound cocaine positives.
Drugs like cocaine are illegally used to enhance the racing performance of greyhounds, despite their adverse effects on the animals’ health. In dogs, cocaine stimulates the central and sympathetic nervous systems and results in abnormal constriction of blood vessels, high blood pressure, and a faster heartbeat. Clinical signs include seizures, restlessness, hyperactivity, heat stress, and death.
The complexity of the problem lies in the potential for human transference of the drug to dogs, and even kennel workers have tested positive for cocaine in some cases. Despite the small quantities often involved, this issue has led to disciplinary actions and fines. In one case, in August 2016, two licensees at Southland Park tested positive for cocaine and were each fined $1,000. The pervasiveness of cocaine in greyhound racing raises serious concerns about the integrity of the sport and the welfare of the animals involved.
