Macau takes in 533 dogs after Asia's only race track shuts

Macau authorities took in more than 500 greyhounds abandoned following the closure Saturday of Asia's only legal dog-racing track.

In this June 2, 2018, photo, dog handlers escort the greyhounds walking at the track of the Yat Yuen Canidrome in Macau. Macau authorities took in more than 500 greyhounds abandoned following the closure of Asia's only legal dog-racing track on Saturday, July 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

The former Portuguese territory has been the only place in China where dog racing is legal. However, betting on dog races at Macau's Canidrome — a tradition of more than 50 years — soured after animal rights groups accused the stadium of mistreating the dogs and euthanizing ones that underperformed on the track. It was ordered closed on Saturday.

In this March 11, 2018, photo, dog handlers escort the greyhounds walking at the track of the Yat Yuen Canidrome in Macau. Macau authorities took in more than 500 greyhounds abandoned following the closure of Asia's only legal dog-racing track on Saturday, July 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Macau's government said the Canidrome faces legal measures under the Animal Protection Act for failing to move the dogs from their shuttered premises. Authorities found on the company's property 533 greyhounds, including a dozen suffering from skin disease and other conditions, and are now making arrangements for their care.

In this March 11, 2018, photo, a dog handler escorts the greyhounds walking at the track at the Yat Yuen Canidrome in Macau. Macau authorities took in more than 500 greyhounds abandoned following the closure of Asia's only legal dog-racing track on Saturday, July 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Macau ordered the Canidrome to move out of the downtown area last year amid urban redevelopment efforts.

The demise of the stadium, which saw massive crowds at its peak in the 1960s, comes as China seeks to cut Macau's dependence on the high-rollers who helped propel the city's transformation from a seedy backwater into a global gambling powerhouse. The city is now shifting its focus toward middle-class Asian tourists.

In this March 11, 2018, photo, visitors look at the greyhounds walking on the track at the Yat Yuen Canidrome in Macau. Macau authorities took in more than 500 greyhounds abandoned following the closure of Asia's only legal dog-racing track on Saturday, July 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

The Canidrome is owned by Angela Leong, a billionaire Macau businesswoman.

Phone calls to the Canidrome rang unanswered Saturday afternoon.

In this March 11, 2018, photo, a dog handler escorts the greyhounds walking at the track at the Yat Yuen Canidrome in Macau. Macau authorities took in more than 500 greyhounds abandoned following the closure of Asia's only legal dog-racing track on Saturday, July 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Animal rights activists have expressed concern about the fate of the race dogs, most of which were bred in Australia. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, urged Macau to give custody of the greyhounds to local animal protection groups that will put them up for adoption.

UDINE, Italy (AP) — Roma defender Evan Ndicka collapsed toward the end of his team’s Serie A match at Udinese on Sunday, causing the game to be called off.

The score was 1-1 when Ndicka fell to the ground in the 71st minute — with the action at the other end of the field — and started pointing at his chest.

The players and the referee frantically called for medical assistance. Ndicka was able to put his thumb up to the crowd as the 24-year-old Ivory Coast international was stretchered off barely two minutes later.

Roma coach Daniele De Rossi immediately followed them down the tunnel. When he returned, he talked to his players and also spoke with Udinese counterpart Andrea Sottil.

Fans then applauded the announcement that the match would be continued at a later date.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Roma's Evan Ndicka is carried off the pitch on a stretcher during the Serie A soccer match between Udinese and Roma at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (Andrea Bressanutti/LaPresse via AP)