Jacksonville Kennel Club shuts doors

[thelakelander]

These are changing times for the parimutuel industry and also for the Jacksonville Kennel Club.

The venerable greyhound racing track, which first opened its doors in 1935, is now closed. Jacksonville Greyhound Racing officials said they're considering their options on the McDuff Avenue facility, which still houses the greyhounds that run at the Orange Park Kennel Club.

http://www.jacksonville.com/sports/other_sports/2009-07-30/story/jacksonville_kennel_club_shuts_doors

[Jason]

Should have moved it years ago.

[Dapperdan]

Why did it never open a poker room like the Orange park and St Johns County one did? Seems like they put themselves out of business really not updating to the times.

[riverside planner]

This is one of the most disgusting industries out there.  Good riddance.  I can only hope that the other dog tracks suffer the same demise.  The abuse that these dogs endure is simply an abomination. 

[gmpalmer]

Riverside Planner, how do you feel about people who are abused?

[Dog Walker]

This is one of the most disgusting industries out there.  Good riddance.  I can only hope that the other dog tracks suffer the same demise.  The abuse that these dogs endure is simply an abomination. 

You are absolutely right!  It's not quite up to Michael Vick standards, but very close.  A huge number of greyhounds are killed every year when they simply don't run fast enough.  Go roll dice or something innocent, don't support the abuse of these beautiful animals.

[Dog Walker]

Riverside Planner, how do you feel about people who are abused?

Are you really asking the question or just implying that because he/she cares about the dogs that there is no concerned for abused people?  It is not a one or the other situation.

[CrysG]

Abuse is horrible regardless of who or what is being abused.

[jbroadglide]

I second CrysG statement..no abuse should be acceptable. human or animal.

[fatcat]

abusive gaming  from cricket fight to gladiator fight is an exhibition of very ugly side of human race. This is why i limit my abusive money wasting on black jack, poker and computer games

[riverside planner]

Riverside Planner, how do you feel about people who are abused?

This question is ridiculous.  Abuse of both animals and people are unacceptable.  With regard to the greyhounds, I have friends who have fostered and adopted numerous retired greyhounds and the emotional scars these dogs carried were heartbreaking.

[Overstreet]

Why did it never open a poker room like the Orange park and St Johns County one did? Seems like they put themselves out of business really not updating to the times.

Probably location.

[urbanlibertarian]

They still have to maintain the kennels at that location because there isn't room in OP.  The TU article said they are exploring possible reuse of the facility.  Anyone have ideas as to what it could be?

[mtraininjax]

The TU just reported that the building was donated to a local non-profit....

[heights unknown]

Continue to have poker and other gambling items in the old kennel club instead of closing it down for good.  Horse racing, football, and other gaming can also be added.  I guess slot machines are out of the question but if Jax will tolerate them, put them there as well.  Open up a greyhound racing facility downtown, boy, that would be a big draw (or would it?).

Heights Unknown