Victims of the dog racing industry are forced to endure a life of perpetual confinement, injury, and abuse. Florida is home to twelve greyhound racing tracks, and thousands of greyhounds remain confined in track kennels across the state. A proposal that would eliminate greyhound racing in Florida was passed today by the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC). If approved by voters statewide in November, Proposal 67 will phase out dog racing by December 31, 2019.
Greyhound racing is a dying industry that is already banned in forty states across the nation. Confined to cages, crates, or pens for up to twenty-two hours each day, greyhounds used for racing are left to suffer through extreme weather conditions. Racing greyhounds are viewed as nothing more than a commodity and are ruthlessly exploited for profit. Dogs have repeatedly tested positive for serious drugs, including cocaine. Countless cases of cruelty and neglect have been documented in recent years, including cases of dogs denied veterinary care, dogs starved to death, and dogs living in poor kennel conditions. Over the last ten years, nearly 15,000 greyhound racing injuries have been reported, many of which resulted in euthanasia. It is common for greyhounds to be forced to race when they are injured or ill. This abuse leads to continual suffering and a shockingly shortened life. While the natural lifespan of a greyhound is about thirteen years, the average lifespan of a racing greyhound is only three to four years.
It is due time that Florida joins the movement against this cruel industry. If you live in South Florida, please attend the CRC public hearing scheduled for next Tuesday, February 6th in Fort Lauderdale. At this hearing, members of the public will have a chance to speak to all of the Commission members. Greyhounds are suffering, and you can be a voice for the countless dogs who need your help.