Dispute over legality of charity wiener dog racing

Greyhound Rescue of Idaho have sent a "cease and desist" letter to the Boise Host Lions addressing their intended wiener dog racing fundraising event this forthcoming May. The group say the event breaks a law dating back to 1996.



"The statute for dog racing is very specific and clear," co-founder of Greyhound Rescue of Idaho, Virginia McKean said. "That any live dog races in the state are illegal." Boise Host Lions group say: "Our event is a fun run for Dachshund family pets over a short distance, less than 50 feet.



"We believe the Idaho Racing Act does prohibit dog racing where the pari-mutuel system of wagering is used. There is no betting on dogs at our event." The Boise Police Department, The Mayor's Office and Ada County Prosecutors Office say they're reviewing the event to see if the race would break any laws.



The statute on racing dogs in Idaho states: "Any person participating or conducting a live dog race or pari-mutuel betting on such a live dog race or the training of dogs to compete in live dog races in violation of this section shall be guilty of a felony." The Boise Host Lions group insists: "There is no pari-mutuel system of wagering involved. Our fun run is no different than other dog fun run events in our state. "

With news video.