Greyhound racing backers file suit alleging voter fraud by anti-racing group

Supporters of dog racing are suing the group that led the campaign making greyhound racing illegal, accusing the Somerville-based nonprofit of election fraud.
The lawsuit, filed today in Lynn District Court, requests the court conduct an inquest, or judicial investigation, into alleged violations committed by “the proponents of Ballot Question 3.”
The Committee to Protect Dogs, the campaign arm of Grey2K USA, led the campaign that in the November election ended greyhound racing in Massachusetts by Jan. 1, 2010, but the lawsuit does not name any specific defendants.
In an e-mailed statement, Grey2K officials slammed the allegations as “baseless.”
“These latest accusations amount to nothing more than post-election sour grapes,” said Christine A. Dorchak, co-chairperson of the Committee to Protect Dogs.
“Greyhound racing interests will go to any length to undermine the will of the voters, including a reckless campaign of misinformation,” she added.
In the four-page complaint, proponents of ending racing are accused of making false statements about kennel crates and adoption rates.
The lawsuit also alleges proponents used photos and videos “depicting the cruel treatment of greyhounds in other states and countries for the purpose of misleading Massachusetts voters.”
Finally, the anti-racing group is accused to trying to influence voters by offering a free computer desktop wallpaper for Web site visitors who pledged support.
The lawsuit is signed by board members of Protection of Working Animals and Handlers Inc., a Lynn-based nonprofit that has expressed interest in challenging the election results.
Albert G. Smith of Raynham, a trainer at Raynham Park and treasurer of the nonprofit, and Michael B. Curran of Stoughton, a kennel operator at Raynham Park, are among the four complainants.
READ MORE about this issue.Jessica Scarpati can be reached at jscarpati@enterprisenews.com.