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In a sweep that surprised even its most ardent supporters — and angered its critics — Florida’s Amendment 13 passed with 69 percent of the vote,bringing the state’s greyhound racing industry to screeching halt.
But the real fight has barely begun. Figures from various sources suggest anywhere from 8,000 to 15,000 greyhounds currently racing or in training for Florida’s final racing seasons will need new homes over the next two years as their careers and the state’s industry are phased out.
“That’s what’s at the top of everyone’s minds,” Kate MacFall, Florida State Director for theHumane Society of the United Stateswho co-chaired the Yes on 13 Campaign, told PEOPLE when asked what’s next for Florida’s greyhounds. “It’s too soon to tell.”
Elite “took in an average of 200 greyhounds a year up until last November,” she told PEOPLE, noting that untreated broken legs are common, as is the practice of selling retired racing dogs to blood banks, where they can stay upward of two years before being rescued or euthanized. Once Stratteman went public with her support of Amendment 13 a year ago, trainers and owners stopped allowing her to take in their dogs.
“Since then, I’ve had maybe 20,” she said, noting that those dogs came primarily from veterinarians and blood banks. She suspects organizations are hesitant to speak publicly for fear of drawing the ire of the industry and losing their own opportunities to help.
“Emotions are running so high right now,” she said.
Of course, the ban is brand new and many organizations likely are in the beginning stages of developing a concerted adoption effort.But in a Nov. 15 Facebook post, Dennis McKeon, a former greyhound trainer and committee member of the Wilmington, Delaware-basedGreyhound Racing Association of America, confirmed that pro-ban organizations need not apply.
As of press time, McKeon had not responded to PEOPLE’s request for an interview. His non-profit organization, Race for Adoption, purchases greyhounds, sells sponsorship shares in each and races them, donating winnings to a small group of adoption organizations, according to its website.
Meanwhile, Cory told PEOPLE that the industry soon will head back to the Florida legislature “to get funding to take care of the animals.” But when asked how that funding will be spent, he said, “To compensate the owners for the loss of the value of their businesses.”
Adam Sugalski, founder ofOne Protest, a Jacksonville-based advocacy organization that supported Amendment 13 and is involved in varied animal welfare issues fromChina’s dog meat tradeto rhino poaching in Mozambique to Florida’s state-sanctioned bear hunts, doesn’t have much sympathy for those owners.
“These dogs are falling through the cracks of society,” Sugalski said, noting that reporting of non-fatal, on-track injuries still is not required. “Their welfare is more important than jobs.”
Florida’s ban ultimately will shut down 11 of the nation’s 17 currently active dog tracks. Others remain in Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Texas and West Virginia.
Said Theil: “This vote is a momentous one. It puts animal welfare at the heart of what it is to be American, proves that it’s one of the core values that makes us who we are. It’s a big deal.”
Those wanting to help Florida’s greyhounds are encouraged to contact their local greyhound shelters and rescues about fostering, adopting or donating. Advocacy groups like the HSUS and GREY2K also accept donations that will go toward supporting transport and adoption, as well as efforts to end greyhound racing nationwide.
source: people.com
