For your consideration…
Regardless of opinions on dog racing, greyhound safety is essential. Florida Amendment 13 reads as a decoupling measure, insured by ending the wagering on and racing of dogs in the State of Florida. Amendment 13 does not read and should not be interpreted as a greyhound protection bill. There is no language enforcing stricter regulations for currently racing greyhounds nor to insure the safety of these athletes once retired.
Amendment 13’s language allocates not a single penny towards, nor does it make demands of any state/county agency or advocacy group to facilitate the mass number of dogs exiting (est. 10,000) to be housed and then vetted to reputable locations.
It is estimated 7,000 dogs race statewide (with an additional 5000+/- pups being raised off-track for the industry.) As early as Jan 1, 2019, tracks may suspend or reduce their racing programs without penalty. Dogs by volume will begin to enter Florida based greyhound aftercare agencies at a much faster rate then in previous years. By the end of 2020, the entrance of the remaining dogs may strain an already taxed aftercare network.
With no Amendment 13 outlined ‘adoption plan’ provided nor an Amendment 13 proposed commitment by the State of Florida to aid financially or to lead legislatively in this matter, the fate of thousands of greyhounds remains unclear. The breeders, owners, trainers and off-track kennels that once housed and cared for dogs until adopted will no longer be able to offer assistance as their industry as been essentially dismantled. Amendment 13 also lacks mention of guidelines or assistance to aid industry workers as the election of this Amendment will swiftly eradicate their livelyhood.
This amendment language continues beyond greyhounds in its descriptive of ‘racing canines’ in the State. Every Floridian who has yet to vote should download a copy of Amendment 13 to read in its entirety.
As Florida voters are now being asked to amend their state constution on this matter, the absence of any language pertaining to greyhound care, aftercare and/or motions to responsibly dissolve the dog racing industry in general in a body of legislation titled ‘Ends Dog Racing’ should be of great concern.
.
.
