Jean Gonzalez Wingo, Lisa Murano: Everyone wants to help greyhounds

At a time when we can’t seem to agree on anything, there is still an issue that unites Democrats and Republicans: protecting dogs. We are proud to join the many community leaders across the state who support Amendment 13, a humane proposal to phase out greyhound racing.

As a state, we have a proud tradition of leading on animal welfare issues. Our first anti-cruelty law was adopted more than a century ago in 1889, but today we are lagging behind the rest of the country when it comes to cruelty inflicted on greyhounds. Commercial dog racing is illegal in 40 states but continues at 11 racetracks across Florida.

At these racetracks, thousands of greyhounds endure lives of confinement, kept in rows of stacked metal cages. They are caged for 20 to 23 hours a day, with only carpet remnants or shredded paper for bedding. When let out of their cages to race, the dogs run the risk of serious injury and death. According to state records, 483 greyhounds have died at Florida tracks since officials began maintaining death data in 2013. These are young dogs that die unnecessarily for a money-losing industry that only exists because of a state mandate that other types of gambling must be coupled with dog racing.

Floridians have already voted with their pocketbooks, and clearly want greyhound racing to end. Gambling on dog races has fallen dramatically in recent years, and racetracks are collectively losing more than $30 million annually on this Depression-era relic. Taxpayers are also getting the short end of the stick. According to a report done for the legislature by Spectrum Gaming, the state is losing as much as $3.3 million annually on dog racing because regulatory costs exceed revenues.

Yet thousands of dogs continue to live in cages in this moribund industry. They die on the track and test positive for serious drugs, including cocaine, all so a handful of greyhound breeders can benefit from a state mandate that puts profits ahead of animal welfare.

This isn’t a complicated issue. Dogs are members of our families, and the racing industry treats greyhounds in a way we should never treat our best friends. Tolerating this cruelty not only causes harm to gentle greyhounds, it also reflects on us. We’re better than that, and it’s time for dog racing to be relegated to the history books.

One ray of hope is the diverse coalition fighting to help greyhounds. Amendment 13 has been endorsed by a vast cross-section of our state’s civic life, including animal welfare groups, animal shelters, animal rescue and adoption groups, veterinarians, dog clubs, current and former elected officials, candidates for office, editorial boards and news organizations, civic organizations, local businesses, environmental groups and churches. Every day, new community leaders join this chorus of support.

No other active issue is supported by the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida, the Florida Federation of Republican Women, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Democratic State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith.

Let’s celebrate this common ground by coming together to vote yes for the dogs on Amendment 13. With our vote, we can help thousands of greyhounds, and once again take the lead on animal welfare.

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Jean Gonzalez Wingo is first vice president of the Florida Federation of Republican Women. Lisa Murano is secretary of the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida.

Post Views: 783

steven grabarczyk

August 8, 2018 at 7:57 pm

Posting the TRUTH again. Do you really think people with common sense believe the dogs are cramped 23 hours a day and then run 45 MPH????

there is no rampant abuse they speak of. They lay their claim to a 2006 ”Investigative Report” by a DBPR employee by the name of Steven Toner who is now deceased. In that report were “alleged” violations and “allegations” of dogs not being treated correctly as well as a quote by Mr. Toner that dogs were crated 20-23 hours per day. It has been noted in the inner circles that Mr. Toner was not a racing proponent, but as you will see, it is somewhat irrelevant when you look at the totality of the report and the events or specifically non events that happened after this report was turned in by Mr. Toner. You see if one looks up both “alleged” and ‘allegations” in any dictionary, the phrase “without proof” is contained within the definition of BOTH words. This report contained both “alleged” action and “allegations”. This is important as you can equate this in real life as a charge, be it criminal or civil and would require a trial to substantiate and charge this particular kennel owner with a felony (animal cruelty) and the other charges which some were violations of Florida Statute under the DBPR. But you see, there was no further action ever taken, no court trial on the merits of the “investigation”. For whatever reason the DBPR did not send the case to the DOAH (Department of Administrative Hearings) which is where anyone licensed under the DBPR can be charged with a crime, have their occupational licenses revoked or suspended, and can levy fines. So with just charges and none proven in a court of law, why do they rely heavily on the “investigative” report that went nowhere. The charges were NEVER proven. This basically makes their main claim null and void, or just the same “Outright Trickeration” we have come to expect from them and their brothers and sisters.

21 comments

Patsy Eccles
August 8, 2018 at 12:51 pm

Proud of these strong voices leading the way in both fighting a good cause and in showing how women work together. Jean and Lisa continue their long careers and passion for standing up for their beliefs!! Great to see you both here!!
Don Goldstein
August 8, 2018 at 3:16 pm

It is hard to imagine AG Pam Bondi and Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith agreeing much, but not only do they agree that it is time to end this inhumane industry, they both do so passionately. Thanks to Jean and Lisa for this wonderful article showing the true non-partisan nature of Amendment 13. #YesOn13
Yes on 13- Not Welcome Here
August 8, 2018 at 4:12 pm

Wow, could this possibly be more scripted? What a joke…
Babycat
August 8, 2018 at 4:32 pm

“Guest Author”
Who?
Don Goldstein
August 8, 2018 at 5:27 pm

As the title says, Jean Gonzalez Wingo and Lisa Murano.
- steven grabarczyk
  August 8, 2018 at 7:56 pm
  
  And same lies Don. And your friends Bondi & Smith have been outed by myself for lying, not with opinion like you spew, but actual facts from public records requests. Especially that sham you pulled with the “genital abnormalities” which has been refuted by scientists and the lie smith told when he said his constituents emailed him with the same condition in their dogs. A public records request showed NO such emails and he has still to produce the vet report for that dogs. Oh and Bondi’s claims on the CRC floor 3/20/18 about greyhound abuse prosecutions, AGAIN, public records requests show NOTHING. So keep propagating the lies, the voters of FL are not that stupid.
steven grabarczyk
August 8, 2018 at 7:57 pm

Posting the TRUTH again. Do you really think people with common sense believe the dogs are cramped 23 hours a day and then run 45 MPH????

there is no rampant abuse they speak of. They lay their claim to a 2006 ”Investigative Report” by a DBPR employee by the name of Steven Toner who is now deceased. In that report were “alleged” violations and “allegations” of dogs not being treated correctly as well as a quote by Mr. Toner that dogs were crated 20-23 hours per day. It has been noted in the inner circles that Mr. Toner was not a racing proponent, but as you will see, it is somewhat irrelevant when you look at the totality of the report and the events or specifically non events that happened after this report was turned in by Mr. Toner. You see if one looks up both “alleged” and ‘allegations” in any dictionary, the phrase “without proof” is contained within the definition of BOTH words. This report contained both “alleged” action and “allegations”. This is important as you can equate this in real life as a charge, be it criminal or civil and would require a trial to substantiate and charge this particular kennel owner with a felony (animal cruelty) and the other charges which some were violations of Florida Statute under the DBPR. But you see, there was no further action ever taken, no court trial on the merits of the “investigation”. For whatever reason the DBPR did not send the case to the DOAH (Department of Administrative Hearings) which is where anyone licensed under the DBPR can be charged with a crime, have their occupational licenses revoked or suspended, and can levy fines. So with just charges and none proven in a court of law, why do they rely heavily on the “investigative” report that went nowhere. The charges were NEVER proven. This basically makes their main claim null and void, or just the same “Outright Trickeration” we have come to expect from them and their brothers and sisters.
mark abrams
August 8, 2018 at 8:22 pm

How much of this is fact based on first hand observation and research done yourselves and how much is directly from the grey2k script…..don’t forget the grey2k creedo…“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
..grey2k thanks you………
Grey2kGoAway
August 8, 2018 at 9:26 pm

Anybody that reads this can tell its a crock of crap. Can’t wait to the Supreme Court puts you scammers in your place.
#GreyhoundNation
David W
August 8, 2018 at 11:01 pm

I am looking forward to not ever having to hear about Greyhounds being given cocaine at the Palm Beach Kennel Club ever again. YES on 13 in November
R Shaw
August 8, 2018 at 11:05 pm

Vote No on Amendment 13 if the Supreme Court allows trickeration. This article is garbage, way too much misinformation to even start. 65 greyhound adoption groups oppose you.
- Lori Bruce
  August 9, 2018 at 10:30 am
  
  The number of greyhound adoption groups that oppose amendment 13 continues to grow. There are 77 groups now.
Carl
August 9, 2018 at 9:40 am

71 Greyhound adoption groups oppose Amendment 13
jeff c
August 9, 2018 at 11:01 am

I have read that Lara Trump is joining hands with grey2k.She rides horses.Does this mean she will put her whip,spurs,mouth bit,saddle,etc away?
Dave
August 9, 2018 at 8:22 pm

Whiners pure whiners.. I told you before dog racing is finished one way or another. I laugh in your faces. You a- holes have no game. Your nothing but scared little losers.. All of you.. You all recite nonsense that is totally meaningless in the real world.

The reason the dogs run 45 mph after being let out of the cage is they cant run away from home fast enough.. They are trying to escape but you keep them confined to run in a circle for your enjoyment.

It is clear as day racing is a pure loser for the track by millions every year as cited by Spectrum Gaming.

We have real people standing on our side where the opposers only have adoption facilities.

We have more than a million voters where as you only have 71.. LMAO

Time for all you losers to get a real job..

Also learn to read the article….
- Andy
  August 10, 2018 at 5:00 am
  
  Are you EVER going to tell us what date the legislature put 3 on the ballot? Everybody notice how he ignores this question time and again, because he knows how much his ignorance has been proven.
- Andy
  August 10, 2018 at 10:48 am
  
  You have a million voters, sure you do, thats why your table at hob nob was deserted AGAIN, no one puts any stock into what a confirmed ignoramus such as you says. The vote will be in 2020, since the SC will most likely uphold the correct decision to throw it out.
- Andy
  August 11, 2018 at 10:43 am
  
  Still nothing but crickets from degenerate ignorant sleazy strip joint owner
  - Lord of the Thighs
    August 12, 2018 at 12:03 am
    
    Sorry buddy but I was getting some T&A time. Make that lots of BIG T & lots of SWEET A.
    
    I think it’s time for you to shave your hairy palms Andy. Dont forget the knuckles.
    - Andy
      August 14, 2018 at 8:52 am
      
      Time for you to tell us when the legislature put Amendment 3 on the ballot, yet again you ignore it, the reason being you are unwilling to admit to your complete ignorance on the matter. Notice I correctly used ” your “, and ‘ you’re “.
R Shaw
August 9, 2018 at 8:56 pm

It’s not whiners, it’s winners.

Our side will win.