LA MARQUE, Texas — It’s the end of an era in La Marque. Gulf Greyhound Park is shutting down for good.
According to La Marque city officials, a decline in pari-mutuel betting over the last few years is the reason. The closure is effective now.
“We regret having to make this decision but feel that it is in the best interest for our company,” said general manager Sally Briggs in a release posted by Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce.
Gulf Greyhound Park, which was open for gamblers to bet on local or out-of-town races, has been in business for 29 years.
PETA released the following statement on the closure:
"Now that the public knows how dogs used for racing are kept muzzled and in barren cages, deprived of the love and companionship they need, and used as living blood bags by operations like the now-shuttered Pet Blood Bank once their racing days are over, there will be no recovery for the greyhound-racing industry. Only four states still harbor dog-racing tracks, and PETA looks forward to seeing every remaining track across Texas follow Gulf Greyhound Park to a timely end."
