Dog racing supporters in Mass. dealt setback

RAYNHAM, Mass.—Supporters of greyhound racing who are trying to overturn a statewide ban on dog races have been dealt a legal setback by the state attorney general.

Attorney General Martha Coakley advised Lynn District Court to throw out an election fraud complaint filed a pro-dog racing group trying to overturn the ban.

Coakley wrote that “no person could be properly charged ... based on the statements upon which the complaint is premised.“

The Protection of Working Animals and Handlers said ballot question backers intentionally misled the public to build support for the ban, which voters approved. It takes effect Jan. 1.

A spokesman for the group told The Enterprise of Brockton he is “disappointed.“

Although the court has the final say, Coakley’s opinion carries heavy legal weight.