Amendment 13 in Florida, which will end greyhound racing in the state by 2020, passed with a 69-31 percent victory, which the Committee to Protect Dogs described as “a knock-out blow to a cruel industry that has been hurting and killing dogs for nearly a century.”
Greyhound racing tracks have until 2021 to close. Presently, Florida has 11 of the 17 dog tracks remaining in the country.
The fight that resulted in the bill’s passing was in part led by Laura Trump, daughter-in-law of president Donald Trump—President Trump himself lobbied in favor of the amendment.
“These dogs are in cages 23 hours a day,” Laura Trump said in a recent interview with the Palm Beach Post. “As a Republican and as a dog lover, I said here’s something you can do that’s great for business, great for taxpayers… and you’re giving a chance to all these dogs here who otherwise are going to be in really sad, deplorable conditions.”
Alongside Laura Trump was Republican Attorney General Pam Bondi, who you will remember was harassed by protestors when she went to see the Mister Rogers movie.
Bondi had previously described dog racing as “a black eye” on the state, adding “that 419 greyhounds have tested positive for illegal drugs, including cocaine, over the last decade.”
Among the amendment’s largest advocates was Carey Theil, executive director of GREY2K USA, a non-profit organization devoted to passing stronger greyhound protection laws and ending dog racing in the U.S.
“The historical consequences of this are incredibly significant,” Theil said. “We’re seeing one of the highest approvals of any animal welfare measure in the nation.”
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As a family that includes a Greyhound, we’d just like to say what wonderful pets they are; however, there are some guidelines of which to be aware: Greyhounds are “sighthounds” and love to chase things like squirrels, rabbits, cats…so they can *never* be off leash when there is no fenced area. Also, many are “small animal-friendly” and live peacefully with cats or small dogs, but some are not. When they transition from racetrack to forever home, their foster parents will test them for this. In more ways than one. they almost are NOT dogs! They have special medical needs, so be sure you choose a veterinarian who is aware of the breed’s unique qualities. All that being said, they are one of the most gentle, loving, fun-filled pets you could want. They love children, too, if introduced and treated properly. Most of all, they love to sleep! They are 45-mile-an-hour couch potatoes, who don’t require a lot of room or exercise. Please consider adopting one. Old Dominion Greyhounds has a Facebook page and website where you can get more info.
Note: Great information. They are great dogs, but like all breeds, it’s good to understand their instincts and traits!