Florida Racing Ban: Facts and Fiction

By Fred Barton, GREY2K USA Worldwide Board Member

The voting is over. The ballots have been counted and the overwhelming majority of people in Florida have decided to free innocent greyhounds from exploitation, needless injuries and painful deaths. When Amendment 13 was first approved for the ballot in April, there were 12 operating dog tracks in the Sunshine State. A track in Miami decided to close before the vote was even taken. Four more tracks have likely run their last seasons this year and will simply not reopen for live racing ever again. The number of dogs in Florida racing kennels is always in flux, but there were 3,700 active, registered racers as of October and they will continue racing over the two year phase-out triggered by Amendment 13. Some dogs will be sent to tracks outside the state and others will be sent to farms in the Midwest as breeding stock. Let's face it, this is an industry that will always look to make the last dollar it can off the backs of innocent greyhounds. That reality will never change. It is notable that racing proponents continue to claim that 8,000-10,000 greyhounds will become “homeless” with the end of dog racing. Of course, those of us who have been to the concrete warehouses known as racing kennels know that these greyhounds have never had a home to begin with.

During the campaign to pass Amendment 13, greyhound breeders relied on a strategy of dissembling, denying and distracting to hide the cruelty at the center of their business. It didn’t work. Amendment 13 passed with 69% of the vote, a vote that cut across party lines, geographic areas and income levels. It seems the one thing the people of Florida could agree on this election cycle was that greyhound racing had to go.

None of this appears to have had an effect on the racing industry, however, as racing apologists are still trying to sell the same tired distortions, half truths and outright fantasies that got them nowhere on Election Day. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular ones:

Claim #1. The greyhound breed will die out. This is just silly. Greyhounds are among the most ancient breeds, the only dogs named in the Bible. Commercial dog racing has existed for just 87 years. Additionally, most dog breeds today don’t do what they were originally bred for. Most Border Collies don’t herd; most Terriers don’t chase rats; most Poodles don’t hunt ducks or sniff out truffles and yet they all seem to be doing quite well. Expecting greyhounds to disappear because racing ends is like expecting horses to disappear because the internal combustion engine was invented. Greyhounds make wonderful companions. There’s no reason to expect that their transition to full time pets would be any different than any of the other breeds whose original jobs became obsolete.

Claim #2. Thousands of greyhounds will be euthanized because they can’t find homes. Simply, no. There will be an influx of greyhounds coming into the adoption system, but it won’t be until the end of 2020. Until then the stream of dogs coming off the tracks is likely to be somewhat less than what it always was, because five tracks are already off the table. In addition, the industry boasts 102 adoption groups approved and ready to take dogs as they become available. This list does not include the large number of adoption groups that have been blacklisted because of their anti-racing stance, but who are ready, willing and able to take dogs as well, if only they would be allowed. In what seems to be a final measure of selfishness, there are those in the industry who not only won’t release dogs to adoption groups with an anti-racing stance, but even want to keep dogs from individuals wanting to adopt if their views are not in line with pro-racing positions. This makes all their hand-wringing about what is going to happen to all these poor dogs looking for homes seem somewhat hypocritical.

Claim #3. There will be massive economic upheaval. Again, simply not true. Florida has the fourth biggest economy in the country with a GDP last year of $967.3 billion. Greyhound racing actually costs the state more to regulate than it generates in taxes. Most jobs in dog racing are part-time, low-wage, and offer no benefits. While no one wants to see job loss, there is little evidence to suggest any widespread damage to the economy related to the predictable end of dog racing. Tracks now lose $34 million a year on live racing and as they raze their old tracks and replace them with new hotels, concert centers and more, there will be net job growth.

Claim #4. Amendment 13 was only the tip of the iceberg. Hunting and fishing will be next. This breathless delusion was promulgated by the Florida NRA, an organization so paranoid and afraid of anything different that I’m surprised they haven’t issued a statement decrying the change in the seasons as a threat. Amendment 13 was about greyhound racing and that is all. The Florida Supreme Court concluded that ending racing was the single purpose and goal of the amendment. To make the leap from racing to hunting, fishing and guns was more a measure of the industry’s desperation than a logical outcome.

You would think that given their massive failure at the ballot box, pro-racing interests would try a different approach now that voters have spoken so decisively. Think again. In their minds, it’s almost as if the election had never happened. They stick to the same distortions, long ago debunked talking points and personal attacks that got them nowhere during the campaign. It will be up to those of us who truly care about the well being of greyhounds to ensure that they are finally given the second chance they deserve.

Let the greyhounds go home

Robert and Jennifer adopted Cortland the greyhound

By Christine Dorchak, President and General Counsel of GREY2K USA Worldwide

Recently, we asked you to share your greyhound’s story. As with our annual calendar contest, we received entries describing lucky hounds who had been adopted from anti-racing groups, pro-racing groups and groups that claim no position on dog racing.  

This is something we must all celebrate!

In fact, greyhound adoption should never be politicized. The only two questions that should be raised in placing an unwanted puppy or a finished racer are 1) How soon can this dog be transitioned out of the racetrack and 2) Where is the closest, bona fide, adoption group located? 

Unfortunately, having sensed its coming dissolution for nearly twenty years, the commercial dog racing industry has begun holding greyhounds hostage and purposely limiting access to select adoption groups. In an attempt to blunt criticism, such groups may be required by contract not to speak critically about racing. Nor can they tell about the condition of the injured or sick greyhounds that they receive. Industry bullying is so effective that groups even refuse donations and avoid inclusion on any referral pages deemed to be against racing.

Sonia Stratemann of Elite Greyhound Adoptions of South Florida learned the hard way that speaking out rouses complaints not only from kennel operators but also from fellow adopters:

“In the past, I only posted photos of dogs that looked good. If one came in that was especially thin or injured, I usually just posted a head shot. For years, I took in sick dogs that other groups would not and I always stayed quiet. But recently, I posted about one dog’s condition on Facebook, and when another dog from the same kennel was no longer wanted, he was left at a vet’s office to be killed. Out of spite, the kennel worker had refused adoption! The only reason greyhound Holly is still alive is because my friend begged for her life. Ironically, when she dropped Holly off, my friend told me that she hoped I had finally “learned my lesson” and to keep quiet! She hates racing too, but stays neutral to keep them happy. Here’s a photo of Holly, seconds after arriving.”

This kind of psychological warfare must stop. As one adoption advocate in the Pacific Northwest put it, “The racing industry has succeeded in coercing many rescue groups into changing their public position on racing from 'against' to 'neutral.' These groups can’t even use the word 'rescue.' IMO, we should be allowed to help regardless of our feelings about dog racing – pro or con – ESPECIALLY if anyone is expected to believe the racing industry is pro-greyhound.” 

Another defense mechanism used to prolong the cruelty of dog racing is the panic-inducing talking point that thousands of greyhounds will die should a track or tracks close. It is true that the number of dogs available for release increases in the wake of a track’s closure, but that increase is temporary. The immediate problem is real, but it’s one that is expected and can be prepared for in advance. The benefits of a track closing are permanent and far-reaching. This is because the cycle of over breeding and killing stops. For good. This is particularly important in Florida, which has an abundance of dogs at breeding farms and racetracks throughout the state. On November 6, when voters decided to phase out dog racing statewide, the historic Miami track was already permanently closed for dog racing, and four other tracks had already held their final season. The remaining seven facilities will now have twenty-six months to wind down and release their dogs to waiting adoption groups both in and out-of-state. As before, we and other non-profit groups are standing by to help and contribute funding during this transition.

It is important to understand that the recent claims by Florida kennel operators that dogs “will be killed” is not a passive statement. This is all about control and anyone who utters these words is literally threatening to kill his or her own dogs. Think about that. Just as greyhound adoption groups are bullied, kennel operators are now also trying to bully the general public into voting against helping dogs.

Empty threats like these must be considered for the scare tactic that they are. We have heard the same cynicism in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Arizona and every other state that has rightfully voted to end commercial dog racing. When Tucson Greyhound Park closed, for example, we worked directly with the track owners to fund adoption. In our home state of Massachusetts, there was a record year for adoption following voter approval of the phase-out of dog racing.

Historically speaking, when a dog track closes, countless volunteers are mobilized to find homes for any and all displaced dogs. Drivers from hundreds of miles away converge on the track and pick up dogs to be taken to adoption groups and foster homes. For example, when Plainfield Greyhound Park in Connecticut closed in 2005 volunteers from as far away as the Midwest and Canada sent rescuers. The closure of Multnomah Greyhound Park in Oregon in 2004 and Geneva Lakes Greyhound Park in Wisconsin in 2006 sparked a similar response. While some dogs were sent on to race elsewhere, many others were made available for adoption. 

Later, with the closure of Mile High Park in Colorado (Winter 2008) and The Woodlands in Kansas (Fall 2008), all the dogs were safely moved out. Greyhound advocates, including board members of GREY2K USA, joined hands with track adoption groups to help the dogs. In December 2009, the 200 remaining dogs at Raynham Park were re-homed, and a similar number had been transferred out of Wonderland, also of Massachusetts, when that track held its last season in September of that year.

It’s no secret that greyhounds often pay with their lives while competing. They break their necks, suffer paralysis and some are even electrocuted. In Florida, state records show that an innocent greyhound dies every three days. This cannot and should not go on. 

Years ago, as I first thought about this issue, I consulted with one of GREY2K USA’s founders, Dr. Jill Hopfenbeck. She once served as the president of a local greyhound adoption group and had treated over 1,000 rescued racers by that time. She listened to me expressing at length my concern about the industry’s threat to kill dogs should our 2008 Massachusetts ballot question pass. She paused and then looked me straight in the eyes and said with all the certainty of her many years of saving greyhounds: “Christine, the best thing that can happen to a greyhound is for racing to end. The injuries stop, the cages open and greyhounds get to become just dogs again. Don’t ever forget that.” 

Whether one agrees with Jill or thinks dog racing is the best invention of 1919, the truth is that we all love our greyhounds. Now it’s time to show it.

We applaud independent networks like that the Greyhound Adoption Action Alliance for saving dogs now and for preparing to help even more greyhounds as tracks wind down operations in Florida. With the passage of Amendment 13 and as other tracks also close around the country, let’s work together to promote adoption and put the dogs first.

Let the greyhounds go home

Robert and Jennifer adopted Cortland the greyhound

By Christine Dorchak, President and General Counsel of GREY2K USA Worldwide

Recently, we asked you to share your greyhound’s story. As with our annual calendar contest, we received entries describing lucky hounds who had been adopted from anti-racing groups, pro-racing groups and groups that claim no position on dog racing.  

This is something we must all celebrate!

In fact, greyhound adoption should never be politicized. The only two questions that should be raised in placing an unwanted puppy or a finished racer are 1) How soon can this dog be transitioned out of the racetrack and 2) Where is the closest, bona fide, adoption group located? 

Unfortunately, having sensed its coming dissolution for nearly twenty years, the commercial dog racing industry has begun holding greyhounds hostage and purposely limiting access to select adoption groups. In an attempt to blunt criticism, such groups may be required by contract not to speak critically about racing. Nor can they tell about the condition of the injured or sick greyhounds that they receive. Industry bullying is so effective that groups even refuse donations and avoid inclusion on any referral pages deemed to be against racing.

Sonia Stratemann of Elite Greyhound Adoptions of South Florida learned the hard way that speaking out rouses complaints not only from kennel operators but also from fellow adopters:

“In the past, I only posted photos of dogs that looked good. If one came in that was especially thin or injured, I usually just posted a head shot. For years, I took in sick dogs that other groups would not and I always stayed quiet. But recently, I posted about one dog’s condition on Facebook, and when another dog from the same kennel was no longer wanted, he was left at a vet’s office to be killed. Out of spite, the kennel worker had refused adoption! The only reason greyhound Holly is still alive is because my friend begged for her life. Ironically, when she dropped Holly off, my friend told me that she hoped I had finally “learned my lesson” and to keep quiet! She hates racing too, but stays neutral to keep them happy. Here’s a photo of Holly, seconds after arriving.”

This kind of psychological warfare must stop. As one adoption advocate in the Pacific Northwest put it, “The racing industry has succeeded in coercing many rescue groups into changing their public position on racing from 'against' to 'neutral.' These groups can’t even use the word 'rescue.' IMO, we should be allowed to help regardless of our feelings about dog racing – pro or con – ESPECIALLY if anyone is expected to believe the racing industry is pro-greyhound.” 

Another defense mechanism used to prolong the cruelty of dog racing is the panic-inducing talking point that thousands of greyhounds will die should a track or tracks close. It is true that the number of dogs available for release increases in the wake of a track’s closure, but that increase is temporary. The immediate problem is real, but it’s one that is expected and can be prepared for in advance. The benefits of a track closing are permanent and far-reaching. This is because the cycle of over breeding and killing stops. For good. This is particularly important in Florida, which has an abundance of dogs at breeding farms and racetracks throughout the state. On November 6, when voters decide whether dog racing should be phased out, the historic Miami track will already have stopped dog racing, three other tracks will have ended their final season, and the remaining facilities will have twenty-six months to wind down and release their dogs to waiting adoption groups both in and out-of-state.

It is important to understand that the recent claims by Florida kennel operators that dogs “will be killed” is not a passive statement. This is all about control and anyone who utters these words is literally threatening to kill his or her own dogs. Think about that. Just as greyhound adoption groups are bullied, kennel operators are now also trying to bully the general public into voting against helping dogs.

Empty threats like these must be considered for the scare tactic that they are. We have heard the same cynicism in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Arizona and every other state that has rightfully voted to end commercial dog racing. When Tucson Greyhound Park closed, for example, we worked directly with the track owners to fund adoption. In our home state of Massachusetts, there was a record year for adoption following voter approval of the phase-out of dog racing.

Historically speaking, when a dog track closes, countless volunteers are mobilized to find homes for any and all displaced dogs. Drivers from hundreds of miles away converge on the track and pick up dogs to be taken to adoption groups and foster homes. For example, when Plainfield Greyhound Park in Connecticut closed in 2005 volunteers from as far away as the Midwest and Canada sent rescuers. The closure of Multnomah Greyhound Park in Oregon in 2004 and Geneva Lakes Greyhound Park in Wisconsin in 2006 sparked a similar response. While some dogs were sent on to race elsewhere, many others were made available for adoption. 

Later, with the closure of Mile High Park in Colorado (Winter 2008) and The Woodlands in Kansas (Fall 2008), all the dogs were safely moved out. Greyhound advocates, including board members of GREY2K USA, joined hands with track adoption groups to help the dogs. In December 2009, the 200 remaining dogs at Raynham Park were re-homed, and a similar number had been transferred out of Wonderland, also of Massachusetts, when that track held its last season in September of that year.

It’s no secret that greyhounds often pay with their lives while competing. They break their necks, suffer paralysis and some are even electrocuted. In Florida, state records show that an innocent greyhound dies every three days. This cannot and should not go on. 

Years ago, as I first thought about this issue, I consulted with one of GREY2K USA’s founders, Dr. Jill Hopfenbeck. She once served as the president of a local greyhound adoption group and had treated over 1,000 rescued racers by that time. She listened to me expressing at length my concern about the industry’s threat to kill dogs should our 2008 Massachusetts ballot question pass. She paused and then looked me straight in the eyes and said with all the certainty of her many years of saving greyhounds: “Christine, the best thing that can happen to a greyhound is for racing to end. The injuries stop, the cages open and greyhounds get to become just dogs again. Don’t ever forget that.” 

Whether one agrees with Jill or thinks dog racing is the best invention of 1919, the truth is that we all love our greyhounds. Now it’s time to show it.

We applaud independent networks like that the Greyhound Adoption Action Alliance for saving dogs now and for preparing to help even more greyhounds as tracks wind down operations in Florida. With the passage of Amendment 13 and as other tracks also close around the country, let’s work together to promote adoption and put the dogs first.