Ban Greyhound Racing in Mexico
The Agua Caliente Racetrack of Tijuana is the last operational greyhound track in Mexico. Located in the Mexican state of Baja California, the track first began offering greyhound racing in 1927.1 Though governed by local authorities, Caliente is considered part of the United States racing circuit. Until late December 2023, races were conducted six days a week, and in 2019, 4,683 races were held at the track.2 As of January 2024, track ownership cut race days in half and released over 200 greyhounds for adoption to waiting rescue groups.
Nearly all of the greyhounds racing at the Tijuana track are American born. They are raced frequently on just one or two days of rest. And there are as many as 400 greyhounds at this terrible facility at any given time, with little or no veterinary care, and absolutely no love.
The abrupt cessation of greyhound racing at the historic Canódromo Caliente in Tijuana, a fixture in the sport since 1927, is having immediate effects on both sides of the border; with the track's closure, a considerable number of greyhounds are now seeking adoptive homes in San Diego County. According to a report by The San Diego Union-Tribune, the unexpected shutdown entered public knowledge through a Facebook announcement by Grupo Caliente on July 19, citing a sustained and accelerated decline worldwide and a critical drop in the breeding and availability of these specialized dogs.
Operation Greyhound, the El Cajon rescue helmed by Bob and Bruna Palmatier since 1991, now faces the prospect of an era's end, their mission pivoting to ensure the proper rehoming of these dogs. However, the sudden influx from Canódromo Caliente marks a sentimental and sizable task for the years-long advocates of the breed. In a heartfelt sentiment, "My voice was no longer that important for me," Bruna Palmatier said, as per The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Fox 5 San Diego reports that approximately 150 greyhounds from the last Mexican track are affected by this closure; their competitive careers have concluded. These dogs are up for adoption as the final race at Agua Caliente took place this Sunday. This affects the dogs and signals a significant cultural shift for Tijuana, where the track has been a longstanding source of local entertainment and history. Readers interested in adopting can reach out to Operation Greyhound via their Facebook page or directly through phone or text to (619) 588-6611.
