MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Location: file:///C:/226992AB/PhoenixGreyhoundPark.htm Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" Phoenix Greyhound Park Announces it will Close December 19

Phoenix Greyhound Park Announces it will Close December 19

PHOENIX (Sept. 25, 2009) – Phoenix Greyhound Park today announced it plans to close its live racing on December 19as a result of the challenging economy and increased competition.

President and General Manager = DanielA. Luciano said the venue is seeking approval from the Arizona Racing Commission for t= he closing and will continue its live racing and simulcast operations until December 19. He said that over the next few months management will assist b= oth employees and the kennel owners who have greyhounds being affected by the closing.

"We have been part of the community for many years and are proud of our history here,” Luciano said. “Our p= rimary goal now is to help transition our employees to new jobs and help the owner= s of the greyhounds relocate them to other racing venues or adoptive homes.̶= 1;

Luciano cited the impact of the economy and inc= reased competition from casinos and other entertainment venues as the reason for t= he closure. Like many businesses, Phoenix Greyhound Racetrack’s operatio= ns have suffered because of the recent recession, he said.

Luciano said the venue will do everything possi= ble to assist the approximately 120 to 140 employees affected by the decision.

“We have wonderful employees who would be a great asset to any organization. If anyone is seeking dedicated employees, we recommend they consider Phoenix Greyhound employees,” Luciano said.

The venue will also work with its affiliated operations to place employee associates in any open positions.

Regarding placement of the racing greyhounds, Luciano<= /span> said he and his staff are working with the kennel operators and ArizonaAdopt A Greyho= und Inc., which has strongly supported for many years. In addition, Luciano is consulting with the Arizona Department of Racing, the American Greyhound Council, and Greyhound Pets of America.

While Phoenix Greyhound Park does not own any greyhounds, it has been an outspoken advocate for greyhound adoption. Depending on the wishes of greyhound owners, the greyhounds can continue racing at other tracks, retur= n to their owners as pets or for breeding, or be placed in a local or regional adoption program for placement with families.

“Greyhound welfare has always been one of our most important prioriti= es,” Luciano said. “We will work with the curr= ent kennel owners to ensure greyhound welfare during this transition period.= 221;

Phoenix <= st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Greyhound Park welcomes help from adoption organizations across the country and from individuals who wish to adopt a greyhound. Anyone interested in adopting a greyhound should call Arizona Adopt A Greyhound Inc. at 602-791-6935or Greyhound Pets of America at 1-800-366-1472. Information about adopting a greyhound is available on the Web at www.arizonaadoptagreyhound.orgor www.greyhoundpets.org.

“I’ve worked with Phoenix Greyhound Park over the years, and I know how deeply they care about the welfare of the greyhounds,” said Kari Morrison-Young, director of Arizona Adopt A Greyhound Inc. “I’m very confident these greyhounds will be tre= ated well. We will work with P= hoenix Greyhound Park to find homes for any of the greyhounds available for adoption.”

Morrison-Young said that greyhounds continue to gain popularity as pets bec= ause of their unique attributes. They are gentle, affectionate animals that usua= lly interact well with children and other pets, she said.