The battle over decoupling in the State of Florida has ended, cruel and simple. With the passing of this shallow piece of legislation, Amendment 13 finally gives the Republican ruled majority victory in the hard sought separation of live racing from other forms of gambling. Coined as the ‘dog protection bill’, this body of laws does little but close commercial wagering on greyhounds by 2020. Florida voters were undeterred by its lack of financial provisions for greyhounds nor by its lack of tougher regulation to protect the current dogs racing for up to 26 months.

Kudos to the State on their deception and all without spending a taxpayers dime.

Amendment 13 should be recognized for what it is, a perfect marriage between State greed and political animal activism. After years of defeated decoupling efforts, now enters the zealous nature of activists funding its place on the ballot, financing its advertising and managing its campaign, conveniently in lieu of the State. Its sentiments played on the good nature of its intended Florida audience. Its one-sided presentation of the sport all but sealed its fate. But most genius is that its hollow framework assures the state untethered to any compensation for the safety or well-being of these dogs.

To understand this final insult, one must realize the pivotal role of racing and tax revenue. For multiple decades, while Florida was sans professional sporting teams and state lotteries, dogs raced. And now, after multiple decades of creating excess millions in tax revenues, greyhounds find themselves at the mercy of the private sector. Apparently after generations of greyhounds funding state coffers, aftercare dollars are appallingly absent.

With dog tracks able to decouple without penalty as early as January first of next year, one can only pray the private sector that so diligently voted to “protect dogs”, will now do so. Adopt, donate and remember—their fate is in your hands, Florida.

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.

Florida Amendment 13

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.