State revokes greyhound trainer's license
Wichita, KS (US)Incident Date: Sunday, Jul 31, 2005
County: Sedgwick
Disposition: State Citation
Person of Interest: Aaron S Unger
A Wichita greyhound kennel trainer has been fined $5,000 by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission and stripped of his license to work at Kansas race tracks. On November 28, 2005, the commission issued a summary order against Aaron Unger after an inspection of a kennel that Unger handled at Wichita Greyhound Park revealed conditions that were "unhealthy for dogs and humans," the order stated.
A commission veterinarian who arrived at Brinkley Kennel No. 10 to check on the animals in late August discovered that the stench of ammonia was overwhelming, urine was standing on the floor, feces littered the turn-out pens and mouse droppings were throughout the kennel, the order states.
Several dogs were lying in their own urine, at least two were malnourished and another greyhound was injured and enduring serious neglect. The animals were moved to another kennel at the park, and the injured dog was treated.
Unger's license was revoked summarily because of the gravity of the situation, said Stephen Martino, executive director of the racing and gaming commission.
"We take these allegations very seriously and move quickly to see that the right thing is done," Martino said. Unger has the opportunity to appear before a commission committee, which will review the terms of the summary order to determine if they are appropriate, Martino said.
Unger could not be reached for comment. The home address listed for him turned out not to be accurate, Martino said, because a copy of the summary order mailed to him was returned by the post office.
Shelli Baker, interim general manager of Wichita Greyhound Park, said the park assumes no responsibility for the actions of the kennel operators or trainers. "We do not hire them," Baker said. "We do not supervise them."
References
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