Pro-greyhound racing campaign strikes back with new video
Photo: Van Abernethy

Greyhounds, Southland Park

Can “athletes” perform at their best if they are “confined 23 hours a day in a crate”?

No, says the Committee to Support Greyhounds, in a new video posted Sunday on Facebook. The group opposes a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ending commercial dog racing in the state.

Amendment 13, placed on the November statewide ballot by the 2017-18 Constitution Revision Commission, would outlaw betting on dog races in Florida beginning in 2021.

Greyhound owners and breeders, who oppose the ban, have challenged the proposed amendment in court; a trial is set for next month in Tallahassee. Proposed amendments need at least 60 percent approval to be added to the state constitution.

The Committee to Protect Dogs, which favors the ban, has said the animals are caged for as much as 23 hours daily, using trainers’ own statements in a video and white paper released last month.

“How much sense does that make?” the video’s narrator says. “Think how you would feel” if this were true, the video adds, mentioning “bed sores,” “body aches,” and “an increased risk of stress and depression.”

The one minute and 20 second-long clip then shows greyhounds jumping, digging, playing with each other, and – of course – racing “at speeds up to 45 mph.”

“It’s an absolute lie,” the video says. “These dogs are athletes and we treat them like athletes,” giving them up to 12 hours of non-racing exercise a day, known as “turn outs.”

“The dogs don’t lie,” the video’s end card says.

Sonia Stratemann, the vice chair of the Protect Dogs — Yes on 13 campaign, countered in a Monday statement that “it is an absolute fact that greyhounds are confined for 20 to 23 hours per day.” The campaign is backed by the Humane Society of the United States and GREY2K USA Worldwide, which works to end dog racing.

The greyhound industry, Stratemann said, “admitted this fact until recently, but has apparently realized that Florida voters will not tolerate this cruelty. Dog racers are now willfully misleading the public about how long greyhounds are confined.

“Racing greyhounds are kept in warehouse-style kennels compounds, in rows of stacked metal cages. Every five or six days they are taken to a track, where they are kept in a cage until they race for 30 seconds.

“On non-race days, greyhounds are confined perpetually, except for four daily ‘turn-outs.’ during which dogs are muzzled, placed in small sand pits, and allowed to relieve themselves. Until recently, the industry admitted that greyhounds receive four daily turn-outs that last between 15 and 45 minutes each.

“According to state investigator Stephen Toner, greyhounds are ‘normally confined’ for ’20 to 23 hours per day.’ This is supported by many industry statements, including a video published by Sanford Orlando Kennel Club. I have personally assisted with dog track turn-outs at Palm Beach Kennel Club, and witnessed this extensive confinement myself.

“These are very young dogs that have been bred for speed and strength. Decades ago, the industry discovered it could cut costs by keeping young dogs in extensive confinement for short racing careers and not negatively impact performance.

“They are now trying to use this sad fact to mislead voters. This cruelty goes against our values, and we are confident that Floridians will vote ‘yes’ on Amendment 13.”

Jim Rosica

Jim Rosica is the Tallahassee-based Senior Editor for Florida Politics. He previously was the Tampa Tribune’s statehouse reporter. Before that, he covered three legislative sessions in Florida for The Associated Press. Jim graduated from law school in 2009 after spending nearly a decade covering courts for the Tallahassee Democrat, including reporting on the 2000 presidential recount. He can be reached at [email protected].


132 comments

  • steve grabarczyk

    July 9, 2018 at 10:41 am

    Sorry Sonia, why don’t you email the DBPR and ask them to back up Mr. Toner’s statement. I did and they REFUSED to back that up or anything else in that report. So maybe do some further digging, none of the allegations in that report were further prosecuted by the DBPR. The people of Florida are not that stupid, you wouldn’t know that being a part time resident here. 23 hours? How does anyone with a shred of common sense believe that and then watch that same dog run 45 MPH. How does an animal even walk with that kind of confinement, science doesn’t lie. You and your friends are greatly out of touch and will LIE to push your ill fated agenda. I challenge you to lay in a bed 23/7/365 and then tell us you can function, come on back up your ridiculous claims or shut up.

    • Marcia Choquette

      July 9, 2018 at 12:03 pm

      Funny how they are quoting Steve Toner who worked for DPBR before he died over 10 years ago. Hw and his dog were hit while out for their nightly walk. Goggle it and you will find the newspaper article from the hit and run. Don’t know how they could interview a dead man. Just like the other lies they tell.

      • Carey Theil

        July 9, 2018 at 2:35 pm

        It’s from an official State Investigative Report he submitted. His statement is one of MANY that prove how long greyhounds are confined. The industry openly admitted this until Amendment 13 appeared on the ballot. It is now trying to change it’s story, because it realizes it is holding a losing hand.

        • mike

          July 9, 2018 at 2:54 pm

          maybe 10 years ago, just a scam like the videos you play of dogs racing from other countries

        • Francesca

          July 10, 2018 at 4:48 pm

          Hey, Mr Stiel, why don’t you tell us how your blackmail attempt of a WV gubernatorial candidate came about? Or how much you donate/accept to your partner Animal Liberation Front…

        • Jeremy Bell

          July 14, 2018 at 1:12 am

          I find it interesting that you only quote “turn outs”, as if that’s the only time greyhounds are out of there crates. Only a chess-playing fool from Massachusetts hanging out in the men’s room at a truck stop would believe that. Oh, hello Carey.

    • Janell Nietzel

      July 9, 2018 at 5:18 pm

      A greyhound shouldn’t be confined AT ALL!!! Why don’t you show everyone the skinny graded out hounds that aren’t as loved as trainers and kennels claim??? The greyhound gambling industry is going down! Pics and words don’t lie -you’re right about that! Look at the disgusting condition of the crates they are kept in- the kennels have no windows and the their bedding is a pathetic handful of shredded paper or a lousy piece of carpet remnant. The vats of meat sitting out exposed to insects is absolutely unacceptable! This industry makes me sick and I know the people of Florida will make the right choice. Say no to racing abuse and over breeding- VOTE YES ON 13!!!

      • Joe T

        July 9, 2018 at 6:50 pm

        you really need to educate yourself, The pics you see are NOT even in the US, your being scammed and they are making you look like a sucker. Shredded paper? like the crate in Chrsitine’s office that is going around with a crate with shredded paper in it. dont be a hypocrite, educate yourself instead of listening to a greedy organization that is only out to make money from gullible people, go visit a kennel yourself and ses the facts, not the fake news Carey and his goons spread

      • AL OCCHINO

        July 10, 2018 at 6:10 am

        I’m for greyhound racing!!!!!!!!
        I’ve spent many, many hours with the greyhounds. They are treated with absolute loving care. The same as professional N.B.A., N.F.L., M.B.L. and all major league athletes.
        They are whirl pooled and rubbed down several times a week to remove any soreness because just like any athlete that competes and uses his or her muscles, those muscles become sore.
        They are groomed and gone over to make sure they remain healthy. What you need to do is investigate the lies you’ve been told. Maybe the lies you’ve been told are happening over in Spain and Austalia. But not here in the great U S of A. In every line of work there are bad eggs!!!!! Attorneys, Doctors, CEO’s of Pharmaceutical Companys, Politicians and the list goes on and on…..
        And I’m sure there are a few idiots in the greyhound industry also. It’s those types of people that should be banished from society.
        Permanently!!!!!!!!
        The greyhounds are a beautiful, loving, breathing animal. They have a heart a soul and a brain, just like you and me. And anyone who doesn’t treat them as such should be
        locked up and taught a strong lesson. I’ve seen more and more pictures of house pets that have been abused and neglected. And those owners of those pets, whether they be Dalmatians, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Cats or any pet for that matter end up getting a slap on the wrist. At most, a small
        fine. And house pet abuse is getting worse every single day. Ask your veterinarian. That’s why there are so many TV commercials asking for help financially to revive those abused and neglected pets. Like I’ve always said and learned with with MY OWN EYES, there are BAD EGGS IN EVERY PROFESSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
        NO IF’s, NO AND’s and NO BUT’S ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
        EVERY PROFESSION……
        Go and spend a day or two at a greyhound race kennel, or at a greyhound farm and witness for yourself, with your own eyes and you’ll see that they are very well cared for.

      • Kim Cassiday

        July 10, 2018 at 3:51 pm

        That is so untrue I’m not sure what kind of you have been doing they’re all different I’m sure. You you can make claims about nursing homes and hear about abuse in there you going to shut all the nursing homes down? You have preschool kindergarten problems there going to shut them down? Then you have our schools all the shootings you going to shut all the schools in the nation down also? I’ve worked in the Kennels they are the dogs are kept well they’re not in the dark in these crates they have to be a standard size so they’re large enough to get in turn around. They are turned out quite often to relieve themselves and interact with other Greyhounds. They eat well and they take vitamins and some kennels cook rice or pasta and vegetables. This I have seen I’m not just making this up as you’re making up a lot of what you’re saying or believing what you’re reading. They wouldn’t come off the track as lovable and nice as they are if they weren’t taken care of in these Kennels by the workers and kennel owners

    • Melissa Z

      July 9, 2018 at 5:28 pm

      Oh gee – who should we believe about the Confinement issue – the NONPROFITS who selflessly work to end animal abuse & exploitation or the Dog tracks who just use dogs for money until they are broken, non-profitable or die. Floridians need to Vote Yes on 13 to end the confinement and stop the deaths.

      • Joe T

        July 9, 2018 at 6:52 pm

        selflessly? LOL they are making 200,000 a year off gullible people, do some research, if you love greyhounds you wouldnt believe them and you would VOTE No on 13

      • tabbatha couch

        July 10, 2018 at 12:08 am

        Why don’t you ask Carey Theil what he gets paid to be a non profit organization? Come on Carey why don’t you tell them your salary and travel expenses

      • Suzanne

        July 10, 2018 at 1:33 pm

        Selfless! The people at the top of these so called charities make HUGE salaries!!! Learn the facts first. Visit a kennel first.

        • Fred Barton

          July 10, 2018 at 9:29 pm

          Apparently “visit a kennel” is going to be a major rallying cry for the industry, but it’s a red herring. Prop 13 isn’t about the kennels, it’s about the heartless cruelty that is at the center of this industry. Whether a greyhound is in a clean, well lighted kennel, or a dark dirty one, that dog is still exploited, regularly put in harm’s way, and discarded by the industry when it is no longer profitable.

      • Francesca

        July 10, 2018 at 4:51 pm

        They are NOT a non profit, try to take your donation off your taxes and find out, or look at the pie chart where they pay themselves over 100000k a year and give less than 1% to any animal.

        • Fred Barton

          July 10, 2018 at 5:34 pm

          From the GREY2K mission statement:

          Formed in 2001, GREY2K USA Worldwide is the largest greyhound protection organization in the world. As a non-profit entity, we work to pass stronger greyhound protection laws and end the cruelty of dog racing on both national and international levels. We also promote the rescue and adoption of greyhounds across the globe.

          • Francesca

            July 10, 2018 at 8:33 pm

            Like we can believe anything your scam outfit says, 100k a year for the 2 top liars, some non profit Frpm Christian Science Monitor, ” Please give all you can, we can’t do it without you ” Utterly shameless

          • Fred Barton

            July 10, 2018 at 9:14 pm

            Non-profit is a legal distinction. We didn’t give it to ourselves, the IRS did.

          • Joe T

            July 10, 2018 at 9:20 pm

            Fred lies again. you do not promote rescue and adoption, you are a lobbying group that lies and is deceitful as your organization admitted to in Ma. your not a non profit when your paying your leaders 6 figures, your a scam group and you know it

    • Virgina Smith

      July 10, 2018 at 11:35 pm

      Miss Sonia was formerly very happy with Greyhound racing, and was pictured in their special picture races. A

  • steve grabarczyk

    July 9, 2018 at 10:43 am

    Funny also Sonia, why don’t you show us the crates YOU use at your place? I understand they are the same as the Greyhound kennels.

    • Sonia Stratemann

      July 9, 2018 at 2:01 pm

      Steve, you can hardly compare the confinement that racing greyhounds endure to the life they have while waiting for loving homes in our rescues care.

      Once the rescues come to us, their muzzles come off and they have proper dogs beds, rather than old pieces of carpet. Their hair actually starts to grow back once they aren’t confined to a crate for 20+ hours a day, and allowed to have thick, soft bedding.

      The are bathed upon arrival to get rid of external parasites and then the ones without broken legs, or other injuries, get to run and play in our 5 acre, grassy yard. It’s really a beautiful sight to see. Without the muzzles, they are able to play with toys and start their journey to becoming a beloved family member.

      Dog lovers will Vote Yes on 13 because it’s the right thing to do. The dogs deserve to be living in loving homes, not stuck in an industry that keeps them confined in crates, or muzzled in small sand pens.

      • Joe T

        July 9, 2018 at 2:51 pm

        Proves your unfit to be an adoption group or foster, Muzzles should be worn at all times dogs are loose together no matter how much you watch them, your just waiting for an accident to happen, That is plan irresponsible, poor pet ownership and you will be the one blamed for being the inhumane one, only takes 1 time for something to happen and it happens quick, That comment shows why real dog lovers that know anything about greyhounds will VOTE NO ON 13

        • Janell Nietzel

          July 9, 2018 at 5:28 pm

          That’s your defense??? Greyhounds should continue to be forced to run in a circle after a fake rabbit until they can’t make you anymore money or die because one organization chooses to work with a greyhound unmuzzled????? Try again! I’m sure they they have the well-being of the dogs in mind much more than PR’s do and muzzle when necessary.

          • Francesca

            July 10, 2018 at 8:35 pm

            Get on youtube and find a video of retired greyhound back at the track when he sees a race, so much for your forced to run moron

        • Sonia Stratemann

          July 9, 2018 at 9:09 pm

          I’ve had greyhounds for 15 years and haven’t had to muzzle. I’ve taken in over 2000 greyhounds from tracks and farms, and haven’t had to muzzle them either. Maybe I just know how to handle, and work with greyhounds better than the people who need to rely on muzzles. Greyhounds are one of the sweetest breeds that I have ever been around.

          • Jennifer Pease

            July 10, 2018 at 5:26 pm

            That virtue-signaling excuse is always used by self-proclaimed experts who don’t understand dogs at all and how quickly prey drive is triggered, how fast dogs can redirect on each other out of hyperarousal or something as simple as barrier frustration, and how thin skin tears easily. You are no expert or a canine applied behaviorist. What you are is lucky so far that nothing has happened.

          • Mike

            July 10, 2018 at 9:23 pm

            I doubt that very much, maybe its because your an irresponsible person, you been around racing greyhounds and you said they are the sweetest breeds, dont you think the good treatment they have at the kennels is the reason

      • tabbatha couch

        July 10, 2018 at 12:13 am

        How many dogs have you had to stitch up while in your non muzzled care? Do you really think we believe you put more than 2 dogs out at a time with no muzzle. If you are such the expert on greyhound behavior you would know how they like to play rough and nip. Once again trying to deflect the fact that you house the dogs in the same manner. Oh and dog beds in Kennels? How can your nonprofit afford to replace all those beds when a dog pees on them or chews them up?

        • Sonia Stratemann

          July 10, 2018 at 6:44 am

          Tabbatha, I have thousands of photos on my website and FB pages showing happy, unmuzzled greyhounds playing in my yard , the beach and other fun places. You want to argue with me so badly that you are forgetting that the average greyhound home does not muzzle their pets. That is something the racing industry does, because of the confinement. The dogs are in such small quarters while “turned out” , but that is not the case once they leave the track. That is just common sense.

          • Jennifer Pease

            July 10, 2018 at 5:30 pm

            No, if you actually were the expert you constantly claim to be, you’d know muzzles are required at certain sporting events and venues where sighthounds are not in small quarters. Explain that with your vast knowledge.

  • steve grabarczyk

    July 9, 2018 at 10:49 am

    Different year, SAME playbook -Boston Herald 11/6/2000
    If you resented the underhanded attempt to besmirch George W. Bush with the resurrection of an incident so old it has whiskers, you should be equally appalled by the efforts of a group called Grey2K to wage a ruthless campaign of deceit, distortion and defamation of character. Radical animal rights activists are determined to
    kill the greyhound racing industry in this state by any means necessary, which is why they weren’t the least bit embarrassed when forced to admit that much of their advertising has been fraudulent. So if you go to the polls only to vote no on Question 3, you will have made a compelling statement, rejecting this attempt to ambush an industry through the dissemination of lies.

    • Carey Theil

      July 9, 2018 at 2:41 pm

      This is why no one takes you seriously, Steve. The opinion of a Massachusetts columnist from 18 years ago, in a column that was filled with mistakes and errors, is completely irrelevant to the debate over Amendment 13. This is the type of thing one says when they can’t actually debate the facts. Honestly, your wild conspiracy theories help the Yes campaign. When we win, I’ll be happy to send you a tinfoil hat in thanks.

      • Mike

        July 9, 2018 at 2:53 pm

        Greed2k lost in a court case and then added usa worldwide when regrouping after bankruptcy for lying and being deceitful

        • Carey Theil

          July 9, 2018 at 7:23 pm

          That’s just plain false, Mike. You have no idea what you’re talking about.

      • grey@k is going to be exposed and done

        July 9, 2018 at 7:49 pm

        Carey, you are losing, you know you are losing, and I can’t wait till this is beaten in a VOTE, in November, than, we are not going to stop, we are going after you until your organization is buried, and you are proven to be the cheats, liars and scam artists that you are, now run of to one of your chess matches and relieve some of the stress that is building, it will help with your denial! You were a loser in Massachusetts and your little band of thieves should have been shut down then! And we aren’t going to let it happen again, you will be done, and have to actually work for a living SOON! You are a despicable human being the way you live off of peoples emotions! NO on 13!!!

      • Francesca

        July 11, 2018 at 5:39 am

        And the above is what one says when they are fraudsters. Talk about not debating the facts, take Mr Parker up on his offer then, coward.

  • Janet Skinner

    July 9, 2018 at 11:02 am

    Funny how the industry is changing its story about greyhound confinement. Possibly because they now realize that Floridians are horrified to hear that these poor dogs are caged 20-23 hours per day with nothing but carpet remnants or shredded newspaper for their bedding? It has been well-documented by state records and video of industry supporters stating how long the dogs are confined. The facts are the facts, folks. And confinement is just one of the many reasons that Amendment 13 will pass easily on November 6!

    • Matt Schumitz

      July 9, 2018 at 11:06 am

      Would you know the truth if if stared you in the face? You all recycle the same thing over and over again.

    • Joe T

      July 9, 2018 at 11:15 am

      yes confined for 23 hours with well toned muscled body from just laying in a cage, think about it, that statement is such a lie and if you believe it you must of never seen a greyhound, it seems more like the yes committee has bed sores,” “body aches,” and “an increased risk of stress and depression.”

    • Marcia Choquette

      July 9, 2018 at 12:06 pm

      Perhaps you should find a live person to interview instead of Steve Tonner who was a good friend of mine and who died over 10 years ago. You have no credibility at all. Liars all of you.

      • Carey Theil

        July 9, 2018 at 7:25 pm

        You say here he was a “good friend,” while at the same time in your private little group you complain about him. You know we see everything, don’t you?

        • Francesca

          July 10, 2018 at 4:57 pm

          Well apparently you don’t see the video where your lying partner details her ” accident ” in a shameless donation ploy, yet in court she has ” no memory”. Nor do you see that her picture is on the ALF website because you never comment on that. Hey, did you “see” last night at HOB NOB your empty table while ours was slammed. Your criminal cohorts even tried to get the service dogs evicted, my such dog lovers you are, NASCAR baby, you will be like you were in Nov 2016 when GREAT TRUMP BEAT CROOKED HILLARY

    • Joe T

      July 9, 2018 at 12:15 pm

      they never changed their story, just another lie brought out by sick twisted people like you

  • Matt Schumitz

    July 9, 2018 at 11:04 am

    Ironic that you support people riding around on horses backs playing polo. I remember not all that long ago you and I were Facebook friends then all of a sudden boom you became anti racing..
    You have got to be one of the biggest hypocrites I’ve ever come by..
    What happens to your polo horses if they break a leg? Dead! Greyhound breaks a leg it gets repaired then finds a home for the remainder of it’s life.

    • Regina Williams

      July 9, 2018 at 1:46 pm

      It’s call alcoholism. Changes people greatly.

      • Sonia Stratemann

        July 9, 2018 at 8:41 pm

        That’s a new one, Regina. Your side just keeps throwing lies out there, hoping one will stick. You know that I speak the truth, and that I have stacks of proof , so you make crazy accusations. I will keep posting facts, while you keep defending a cruel and abusive industry. The dogs deserve better than the confinement, lack of care and the enormous risk of being injured while racing.

    • William C Grabow

      July 9, 2018 at 2:56 pm

      Sonia’s money ran out that she was getting from the kennels to take care of the dogs so she turned, proves she was in it for the money only

      • Sonia Stratemann

        July 9, 2018 at 8:51 pm

        What money ran out, Bill? I always ask, yet you never answer. You do realize that rescues typically lose money, right? I’ll give you a bit of advice, incase you are thinking about starting a greyhound rescue. You will lose money! It is so rewarding, and my family and I absolutely love rescuing greyhounds but trust me, Bill, there is no money to be made. We do it for the love of the dogs, and because they need us. Contrary to the dogs racing connections, we do not want, or expect to make money off of them. We only want to rehab and then find loving , forever homes for them. Every dog deserves that.

        • Matt Schumitz

          July 9, 2018 at 9:10 pm

          Still wondering what happens to the horses you love to exploit? That’s ok though right?? HYPOCRITE

          • Sonia Stratemann

            July 9, 2018 at 9:36 pm

            Matt, my family and I have pleasure horses. There are a lot of people who have horses, and are against dog racing. You manage to insult a large group of people, while trying to make a personal attack on me. Well done, and please keep it up!

          • Matt Schumitz

            July 9, 2018 at 10:15 pm

            Using horses for polo is now called for pleasure? What world do you live in
            Personally I have no issues with people using horses for whatever it is they need them for, what I do have a problem is with hypocrites like yourself.

          • Sonia Stratemann

            July 9, 2018 at 10:30 pm

            I don’t play polo, Matt. Maybe you should direct your comments to my husband. That will be fun 🙂

            Amendment 13 has nothing to do with horses. It is just your way of trying to redirect because you are unable to prove that I am speaking anything but truth. Like I said, keep it up.

        • William C Grabow

          July 10, 2018 at 9:25 pm

          Sonia you admitted to it at the CRC meeting that you got over 20, 000 you tell so many lies you dont remember what you say, it is transcript look it up

    • tabbatha couch

      July 10, 2018 at 12:16 am

      Don’t forget sent to the glue factory to become animal food

      • Matt Schumitz

        July 10, 2018 at 1:46 am

        See there you go Sonia, your husband plays polo and you support it. End of story you are a hypocrite
        You are against one thing that uses animals for human entertainment but not another, not quite sure how you can’t see that.

        • Sonia Stratemann

          July 10, 2018 at 7:09 am

          Matt, I support Amendment 13 because of all that I have witnessed in my 15 years of greyhound rescue.
          The majority of greyhounds coming to our rescue from the track have been covered in fleas and ticks. They have been infested with hook worm, as well as tape worm. Hundreds of the dogs have come to us with broken bones from racing.
          The dogs usually come with hair loss, either from the disgusting, old pieces of carpet, or the flea infestations.
          Once they come to us, they are rehabbed, their coats grow in and they learn what it’s like to be in a home, with a family.
          The before and after pictures are eye opening, to say the least.
          As I said before, there is a large group of horse lovers who will be voting Yes on 13.

          • William C Grabow

            July 10, 2018 at 9:27 pm

            Sonia save your breathe no one believes you, you lost all credibility. Vote NO on 13

  • Don Goldstein

    July 9, 2018 at 11:08 am

    I have been to the tracks and farms and I’ve seen dogs confined for 20+ hours a day. We know why you have had to change your story but it isn’t fooling anyone. The voters of Florida know the truth and will vote to PROTECT DOGS YES ON 13.

    • Yes on 13 Lies

      July 9, 2018 at 11:16 am

      Please share what kennel at what track you spent 20 consecutive hours in to have witnessed this “confinement.” Otherwise, you are simply spewing false propaganda…

      • Jeff White

        July 10, 2018 at 11:52 am

        Dear “Yes on 13 lies”: Please tell us which kennel the anonymous person on the video soundtrack worked at, where the dogs were allegedly turned out every day for 12 hours.

    • Joe T

      July 9, 2018 at 11:17 am

      Donny you lost all credibility when you got caught lying on TV, No one believes you

    • Oggy

      July 9, 2018 at 11:20 am

      Please name the kennel and trainer you visited then Don?? Or would that be a big fat fob considering there’s plenty of footage recorded over hours proving turnouts last at least 2 to 3 hrs minimum 3 to 4 times a day.how do the greys have such athletic defined muscles if they’re crated for 23hrs?

    • Axelskater

      July 9, 2018 at 11:44 am

      Ca you name each track, kennel and dog who was confined, please? ThX!

      • Janell Nietzel

        July 9, 2018 at 7:15 pm

        Can you show us the inside of EVERY kennel and the lame excuses for a bed and food that you provide them??? Didn’t think so! If you have to cage a greyhound you have too many. They are treated as livestock and overbred for your own financial gain! YES ON 13!!!!

        • William C Grabow

          July 10, 2018 at 9:28 pm

          the same food that is dried and made kibble from that you buy at a pet store, please do some research

    • tabbatha couch

      July 10, 2018 at 12:17 am

      So you are saying you personally stayed at a dog kennel for 24 solid hours at a time to prove this

  • Joe T

    July 9, 2018 at 11:24 am

    Who would believe Sonia, she thinks polo is fine but not dog racing, that is a hypocrite, Sonia has been caught in lies numerous times, Sonia has to get barn yard animals now because she was an unfit adoption group

    • Matt Schumitz

      July 9, 2018 at 11:31 am

      Joe she’s so good at faking those tears when people or cameras are watching though.
      HYPOCRITE

  • BRYAN WILSON

    July 9, 2018 at 11:28 am

    It seems like this is a moving target, as shown in the video: https://www.facebook.com/VoteYesOn13/videos/221001648515812

    These are from the pro-racing folks, so I guess I am not sure why their own committee would doubt what they say or maybe their committee is trying to deliberately rewrite history and mislead the voters. I know I am voting to Protect Dogs – Vote Yes on 13 because I think dogs in Florida deserve better than living in cages and risking their lives for someone’s entertainment or profit!

    • Joe T

      July 9, 2018 at 12:21 pm

      you can edit and add depressing music to any video and make it look bad, Why only small clips of the conversations, editing does wonders for liars and con artists, None of you been in a kennel so you have to steal footage from someone else without their permission SCAM

    • tabbatha couch

      July 10, 2018 at 12:20 am

      You do realize that Sonia has lived her whole life doing the same thing with her polo ponies ? She is in charge of this media campaign. Polo is mainly for the rich and once they are injured they are put down and sold for their meat. Why don’t you talk to her about that.

    • Greyhound Supporter

      July 10, 2018 at 5:58 pm

      Hey Brian… What was up with you and your wife trying to get the Service Greyhounds ejected from the Hob Nob last night? That info came DIRECTLY from the officers. I’d say I’m sorry that your booth was such a ghost town, and that people were handing your literature back to you, but I’m definitely not sorry… The Committee to Support Greyhounds booth was lively, informative and well received from beginning to end. That’s what happens when the pro racing people have the proof on their side…
      Though I will admit that Yes on 13 really hit a new low when they actually attempted to have the service Greyhounds removed feom the event… Sad and pathetic…

  • Joyce Carta

    July 9, 2018 at 11:42 am

    Name calling will not win friends or, more importantly, voters. The voters are on our side because Floridians are bored with dog racing, tired of the stories of systematic abuse and the drugs and the deaths and just want this to end. And in November YES ON 13 will do just that.

    • Axelskater

      July 9, 2018 at 11:48 am

      They don’t really appear to be on your side all that much these days. Otherwise you would not be so concerned with answering back. Now that Floridians are seeing happy, fit dogs who get more attention than the average house pet each day, well perhaps they now see your committee for the ridiculousness it is.

    • Jennifer Newcome

      July 9, 2018 at 12:05 pm

      Got that vet report yet Joyce?

      • Joyce Carta

        July 9, 2018 at 12:40 pm

        That particular ball was in your court, Jennifer. Up to you now to prove me wrong. Good luck with that!

        • Jennifer Newcome

          July 9, 2018 at 12:49 pm

          Actually, it’s not. I asked you a month ago to provide veterinarian proof to back up one of your outrageous claims. And of course, I’ve heard nothing but crickets. So you clearly admit that you have no proof, and that your thumbs wrote another check that your facts can’t cash. Just another instance to show the Florida voters that Yes on 13 has no integrity, credibility or morals… Sad and disingenuous
          #VoteNoOn13
          #Unlucky13

          • Janell Nietzel

            July 9, 2018 at 7:20 pm

            PRs are getting desperate Florida- VOTE YES ON 13 to end greyhound abuse and overbreeding for gambling!!!! Let greyhounds thrive in the comfort of a real home with a loving forever family!!!

    • Joe T

      July 9, 2018 at 12:18 pm

      sorry voters are turning against you after seeing for themselves, shouldnt you be hitching up your mule to your cart hypocrite,

    • Mark Abrams

      July 9, 2018 at 1:24 pm

      the grey2k credo…..“A lie’s true power cannot be accurately measured by the number of people who believe its deception when it is told, it must be measured by the number of people who will go out after hearing it trying to convince others of its truth.”
      ― Dennis Sharpe

    • Carey Theil

      July 9, 2018 at 2:43 pm

      That’s all they have Joyce. They aren’t able to debate the facts, so they have turned to a campaign strategy of attack and distract. It won’t work.

      • Mark Abrams

        July 9, 2018 at 3:22 pm

        the grey2k maxim……When a well-packaged web of lies has been sold gradually to the masses over generations, the truth will seem utterly preposterous and its speaker a raving lunatic.
        Donald James

        • Carey Theil

          July 9, 2018 at 7:26 pm

          So you’re admitting you sound like a raving lunatic? Finally something we can agree on! LOL

          • Mark Abrams

            July 9, 2018 at 9:14 pm

            subbing in for the girthy eric jackson and last sub on their bench…coming into the game carrying his Boris Spassky lunch bucket carey t……

          • Francesca

            July 10, 2018 at 8:48 pm

            And yes, we heard how you were in tears when your buddy Carlos bailed on you for the radio debate, such a pussy

      • Joe T

        July 9, 2018 at 6:55 pm

        dont count your money in the bank yet Carey, people are finding out fast about your scam

      • tabbatha couch

        July 10, 2018 at 12:25 am

        I’m pretty sure that is your strategy Carey. You are just sweating with all these lies that people are figuring out about your so called nonprofit. Why don’t you post your tax return on here. You are so afraid you are going to lose your easy paycheck with all these people busting you out. But never fear you can go after polo ponies and racing horses next. Just go ahead and fire Sonia now. Couldn’t you have found a better spokesperson?

      • Francesca

        July 13, 2018 at 8:51 am

        The ” facts ” that come out of your mouth are hardly facts. Here is a few facts for you. Dorkchak recites her ” accident ” in great detail in your shameless donation video, yet in court has ” no memory”. Thus, she is lying in the video or committed perjury. 2. You attempted to blackmail a politician in WVA. 3. You are in league with Animal Liberation Front, why else would Dorkchak’s picture be on their website? 4. The drug test you tampered with was NON CANINE DNA. 5. At Hob Nob, your surrogates attempted to have SERVICE DOGS FOR VETERANS evicted 6. Your table at Hob Nob was deserted with people handing your dishonest propaganda back.

  • Djw

    July 9, 2018 at 12:39 pm

    As a 10 year volunteer on the adoption side I’ll be voting yes on 13 based on seeing too many dogs retired with untreated injuries and/ or full of ticks , fleas and with rotten teeth, scars, etc.

    • Jennifer Newcome

      July 9, 2018 at 12:51 pm

      What group are you affiliated with? Can you provide veterinarian proof that your group has received retired racers with untreated injuries?

      • tabbatha couch

        July 10, 2018 at 12:27 am

        Probably Sonia’s group 🤗

    • William C Grabow

      July 9, 2018 at 2:59 pm

      Proof please or your lying

      • Jeff White

        July 10, 2018 at 11:42 am

        Ha ha! Suddenly the racing industry apologists demand “proof” of well-known facts. But they wouldn’t know proof if it sat in their laps and called them Mama.

        Where is the “proof” that racing greyhounds are NOT typically confined for 20-23 hours a day? All they can do is show video of greyhounds being active and have some anonymous person’s voice claiming he once worked in a kennel where greyhounds were confined only 12 hours a day. That one imaginary kennel is supposed to refute the industry’s own statistics of 20-23 hours a day of confinement? It’s laughable.

        • Mike

          July 10, 2018 at 9:31 pm

          like your group trying to get service dogs removed from a event, how low can your group go

  • Mark Abrams

    July 9, 2018 at 1:23 pm

    If this was the case fat people all over the world would be requesting 23 hours of confinement a day and all the food they could eat to attain athletic bodies too……

    • Janell Nietzel

      July 9, 2018 at 7:34 pm

      Wow digging deep-smh
      YES ON 13! Read the PR defense- all they can do is fail miserably trying to convince the world that they even care about greyhounds! Forget the facts that they overbreed for gambling profits!!!!

  • Karen Greb

    July 9, 2018 at 1:47 pm

    The toxicity and changing of stories spewing out of the folks who want to continue to make their livings off the dirty world of greyhound dog racing does not bother me. It’s a welcome sign we are winning the battle to end greyhound dog racing once and for all in Florida. Squirm away. PROTECT DOGS – VOTE YES ON 13

    • Joe T

      July 9, 2018 at 6:57 pm

      winning, more like lying , people are turning pro every day you spread your lies that dont make sense to anyone with an IQ over 60

      • Jeff White

        July 10, 2018 at 11:35 am

        You’re very proud of that 65 IQ, aren’t you Joe?

  • Mary Stewart

    July 9, 2018 at 1:47 pm

    As an attorney and someone who has volunteered with a rescue group for over 15 years, I have never in my life seen an industry who tells so many lies and changes its story so often to suit its own purposes. There are innumerable accounts from people like myself who have seen the truth with our own eyes, yet we are called liars when we speak out. Even when there is video evidence of the cruelty, those who support dog racing try everything they can to discredit that evidence. Floridians are not that stupid. They can easily see through the lies and they will vote to end dog racing in November. It is an outdated “sport” that has run its course and the exploitation of innocent greyhounds will finally come to an end.

    • Matt Schumitz

      July 9, 2018 at 1:54 pm

      Right cause lawyers are known for their credibility and honesty lol.. keep trying

    • Mark Abrams

      July 9, 2018 at 2:05 pm

      Mary care to swear an affidavit of such?

    • P

      July 9, 2018 at 5:17 pm

      When greyhound racing ends so does the breed. Form follows function and an actual breeding population has to exist. Kill racing and you kill one of the healthiest breeds on the planet. Way to go. Greyhounds will become like the Giant Panda. No more adoptions of racing greys. Bones you at people make me sick.

      • Janell Nietzel

        July 9, 2018 at 7:47 pm

        Greyhounds DO NOT need to live in a caged community. They DO NOT need to be fed bateria growing “meat”, or need to be overbred and used for gambling to thrive. My greyhound is perfectly happy to run free and live in a loving home like a king! Get over yourself….

      • Jeff White

        July 10, 2018 at 11:33 am

        Yup. Just as Dachshunds went extinct when badger-hunting went out of style. Oh wait! That never happened!

  • Lori Bruce

    July 9, 2018 at 2:13 pm

    All I can say is if I had to trust someone to look after my dog, it certainly wouldn’t be anyone on the Yes side. Dear voters, please do some research so you can see past the outdated information, propaganda, and outright lies of the Yes side. Vote No on 13.

    • Janell Nietzel

      July 9, 2018 at 7:52 pm

      Lori why would you say that? Because your dog wouldn’t want to come home???

      • Lori Bruce

        July 10, 2018 at 8:49 am

        Because I wouldn’t want him used as a prop for their lies and propaganda. Plus I don’t think they really know much about taking care of greyhounds. One of their board members was on another article commenting about how good vegan diets are for dogs! My dog deserves a meat-based diet. People who want to feed their pets a vegan diet should get pets like rabbits or guinea pigs, not dogs or cats!

  • Greyhound Advocate

    July 9, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    The greyhounds do leave the racing industry with stress and depression. The problem is the money grabbing industry participants can’t see any further than dollar signs and have zero comprehension of this… and they are killing the breed too with their overbreeding leading to devastating conditions such as osteosarcoma, because they don’t breed for a long life, they breed for speed only and get rid of the dogs to adopters once they are no longer fit to race – they are always leeching off the goodwill of others.

    It’s simple really, anyone who supports the continued exploitation of dogs for human entertainment will vote No so they can continue to hide animal abuse in plain sight.

    Those of us who have evolved beyond using animals for gambling and entertainment will vote YES!

    • Lori Bruce

      July 9, 2018 at 4:11 pm

      They are probably a bit stressed and depressed. They have spent their lives living with other greyhounds doing what they love. All of a sudden, they are removed from their pack and thrown into an unfamiliar situation. Some adjust right away. Others might take a little more time and patience. Seems it’s more the people who need to believe they are “rescuing” a dog that convince themselves the dog must have been abused to act this way.

      This is why it’s important to adopt from a reputable greyhound adoption group. They understand this and can give you advice on helping the dog transition to its new life.

    • Joe T

      July 9, 2018 at 6:58 pm

      proof I have fostered retired dogs and never had one come to me stressed or depressed. you obviously make things up as you go along

  • Kelly Faircloth

    July 9, 2018 at 5:37 pm

    What a ridiculous video. “Dogs don’t lie.” No, and they can’t speak for themselves either. They need us, the people who care about their welfare and don’t have a financial stake to race them, to speak for them.

    The exaggerations from the industry get more and more outlandish. Not too long ago, they admitted that 4 turnouts of about 30 minutes each was the norm. Once they realized that the public is not ok with this, they started claiming longer and longer turnout times. A few days ago, their claim was 7 hours uncaged. Now they are saying it’s 12 hours? LOL. What’s next… greyhounds going on all-expense covered vacations to Tahiti?

    Young greyhounds can absolutely maintain for and muscle tone with minimal activity. They’ve been doing so for years. And bed sores? While typically that happens in hospitals and nursing homes where patients can’t move at all, greyhounds can and do develop hygromas, commonly known as “jacks”, caused by spending a lot of time lying on surfaces that don’t have much padding.

    Floridians are smart enough to see through industry falsehoods, and they will #VoteYesOn13.

    • Joe T

      July 9, 2018 at 7:00 pm

      Kelly how many dogs you kill at your shelter along with other pets, you shouldnt be throwing stones at anyone

      • Kelly Faircloth

        July 9, 2018 at 7:35 pm

        I normally don’t respond to moronic posts, but I’m curious to know which shelter you think I have control over?

        • tabbatha couch

          July 10, 2018 at 12:34 am

          Great-greyhound.org all u have to do is look u up on Facebook…smh

  • Carey Theil

    July 9, 2018 at 7:30 pm

    The most interesting thing about this video (admittedly there isn’t much) is that it literally doesn’t dispute a single thing the Yes on 13 campaign has released. It doesn’t dispute that hundreds of greyhounds live in large warehouse-style kennel compounds, that they live in rows of stacked metal cages, that carpet remnants is used as bedding. The No on 13 campaign actually had a meme a few days ago on their Facebook page that touted the wonders of carpet remnants. They don’t dispute a single thing, because they can’t. The truth hurts.

  • Mark Hoyt

    July 9, 2018 at 9:08 pm

    Great diet great workout regimen,vet at track during racing,air condition in kennel, inspection by state.thats the truth stop listening to the lies of trouble making people.

  • Fred Barton

    July 10, 2018 at 11:16 am

    Unfortunately, the “they” the narrator refers to in the video are industry representatives like kennel owners who confirm the 20 – 23 hour confinement figure. So we have industry representatives looking right into the camera and telling us dogs are turned out for less than three hours a day, and a faceless narrator telling us that’s not true.

    OK. I’ll play along. If what the narrator says is true, why would kennel owners like Stephanie Elrod tell a lie that makes her industry look bad? If you were going to lie, wouldn’t you inflate ther amount of time greyhounds are out of their crates to make you industry look better? Oh, wait…

  • Michael

    July 10, 2018 at 3:06 pm

    DOG RACING WILL BE DEAD VERY SOON. COUNT ON IT. THE PEOPLE ALREADY DID OVER 800K TIMES.. FUNNY WE DON’T SEE ANY PETITION FROM THE PEOPLE TO KEEP RACING ALIVE ONLY A FEW MILITANTS ON THE SUBJECT BARKING OUT GARBAGE REFUTING AN ARTICLES CONTENTS.

  • Gina Butler

    July 10, 2018 at 3:57 pm

    If anti racing Greyhound activists are ignorant enough to listen to groups who sit on their laurels, take your money to be talking heads & donate without researching facts, get ready for rodeos, horse racing, & farmers beef to be on next agenda & go vegan. Bible says we’re to be good stewards of all animals & these groups give them 3 days of life. Or coop them up in yards & say they must be on leads @ all times, & lose their love to run, check out eyes & l lack of tail wags in that environment vs. they’re joy racing & running.
    55yrs loving & caring for greyhounds 7 day weeks, & doing without so they have only the best. The 20-23yr crate life is blatant lie, they’re sprinted in long runs & walked many more times a day than any housedog.
    Circus ban, greyhound ban, horse racing bans, rodeo ban & last on their agenda cow farmers, be ready to go vegan. Research & come to any farm or kennel & learn the truths instead of blindly believing liars who don’t work hard, just spout misinformation & wait on uninformed donaters.
    Just more discrimination due to ignorance.

  • Pete

    July 10, 2018 at 5:22 pm

    If there are issues with confinement periods in greyhound racing, why doesn’t the state regulate it better? As for the vote itself, why so little concern about the people involved? Personally, I’m appalled by an organization that seeks to raise its profile by putting hundreds of people out of work. I don’t live in Florida, but would definitely vote “no” if I did.

    • Greyhound Supporter

      July 10, 2018 at 6:11 pm

      Thousands of people would be put out of work. The industry is highly regulated. The kennels are subject to random inspections and they are written up/fined if anything is amiss. The reason that there is rarely an infraction is because the greyhounds and the kennels are kept to the utmost standards. And again, the kennel operators are not informed of these inspections. They don’t have any idea until there is a knock on their kennel door. That gives no opportunity to “prepare”, which doesn’t matter because preparation is not needed…

      • Fred Barton

        July 10, 2018 at 9:19 pm

        It’s true that some 3000 people would be directly affected by an end to greyhound racing, but provisions can be made for them to move or be retrained as other states that have ended greyhound racing have done. The state can monitor and control the ending of racing and make arrangements for the orderly transition of people and dogs.

        • Lori Bruce

          July 11, 2018 at 10:16 am

          How many people and businesses will be indirectly affected? I’ve seen you mention how provisions can be made to help the people affected before. What provisions are in place Fred? There are no provisions. It’s just something you like to say to dismiss people who are concerned about putting thousands of people out of work. And we all know your group didn’t help any people or any dogs in MA.

          Vote NO on 13.

          • Fred Barton

            July 11, 2018 at 11:08 am

            The most reliable figures I have seen by those in a position to know (some industry representatives) are 5000 people affected both directly and indirectly. Those positions directly affected are mostly part-time, low-wage, no-benefit jobs. Those indirectly affected vary according to how much of their business is dependent on racing. Restaurant suppliers for example, might not be affected that much. Meat suppliers probably more. There are no provisions made now because the proposition has not passed and thus no current need.

  • HreyAdopter

    July 11, 2018 at 6:05 am

    I have greyhounds at home. They’re retired. The are ALL muzzled in the back yard EVERY time they go out. They are also crated when I leave. Many, many adopters – of ALL breeds crate-train their dogs. It is not inhumane. It is for the dogs safety. Kennels use crates at the tracks. Adoption kennels use crates. Shelters use crates. Homes use crates. I fail to see the logic behind saying the use of crates in one situation is ok while not in another. Actually, that is called hypocrisy.

    • Francesca

      July 13, 2018 at 9:01 am

      Oh, they are hypocrites of the highest order, Check out the abuse against one of their endorsers, Big Cat Rescue, not to mention those shelters that kill healthy animals daily. Rest assured, it is all about the MONEY, grey2scum pays it’s 2 leaders over 100k a year and gives nothing to help any animal Ask track personnel at Mass tracks after the ban passed, Grey2scum disappeared like a thief in the night, no help at all for the displaced greyhounds. They are in league with ANIMAL LIBERATION FRONT as well.

  • tabbatha couch

    July 12, 2018 at 5:05 am

    exactly!hrey adopter. i bet carey and sonia crate their dogs when they are gone.

Comments are closed.


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