Top lawmaker skeptical of appropriation for greyhound industry
Photo: Van Abernethy

Greyhounds, Southland Park

Senate President Bill Galvano is dubious about the greyhound industry’s chances for compensation now that its livelihood has been taken away by voters. 

A constitutional amendment aimed at ending live dog racing in Florida won at the ballot box earlier this month with 69 percent of the vote. Amendments need no less than 60 percent approval to be added to the state’s governing document.

In Florida, live dog racing is still conducted at 11 tracks. Amendment 13 outlaws placing bets on greyhound and other dog races, such as at the state’s pari-mutuels, as of the beginning of 2021. It allows other gambling at tracks, including card games, to continue after dog racing ends.

Galvano

Some breeders and trainers have privately mused whether lawmakers would be willing to cushion the blow with a payout, or at least provide some funding for transitioning racing dogs that will need homes when the tracks start going dark.

Galvano, a Bradenton Republican who assumed leadership of his chamber on Tuesday, didn’t think so. He’s now the leading lawmaker with an interest and experience in gambling issues, having also recently served as president of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States.

“I have not been approached about that,” he said. “It was my belief that the market itself was going to accomplish what that amendment did. We had always included decoupling in proposals that I carried in the Senate.”

Generally, pari-mutuels in Florida are required to continue running live dog or horse races to have slots and card games that make those facilities more money. A move called “decoupling,” removing the live racing requirement, failed in the Legislature in recent years, including this past session. 

“So coming and asking for a compensation package is probably a tough row to hoe for them,” Galvano said of greyhound interests. 

On the other hand, one of the main backers of the amendment said he wasn’t opposed to such an appropriation.

“Amendment 13 is self-executing, and legislative action is not necessary,” said Carey Theil, executive director of GREY2K USA

“That said, it would be appropriate for lawmakers to ease this transition by offering assistance to racetrack workers,” he added. “If such legislation is filed, we will seek to also obtain funding for greyhound adoption.”

A request for comment to the Florida Greyhound Association, which represents owners, breeders and trainers, went unanswered.

Alternatively, the association has previously suggested the state could be open to lawsuits worth hundreds of millions of dollars, saying the amendment amounts to an unconstitutional “taking.” In constitutional-law parlance, a taking is when a government “uses, regulates, (or) seizes private property” and doesn’t pay for it.

Florida also has its own law, the Bert J. Harris Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act, to protect property owners from takings that don’t rise to a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

Broad & Cassel lawyer  Stephen Turner, who successfully represented a Florida pig farmer in a suit over the state’s “pregnant pig” constitutional amendment, said in an opinion letter Amendment 13 is legally sound.

“In contrast, gambling on dog races is a nuisance at common law, and a constitutional amendment reverting that activity to illegal status would not cause taking of property,” Turner wrote. “ … Its prohibition is well within (the state’s) police power.”

Amendment 13 was placed on the ballot by the 2017-18 Constitution Revision Commission, as opposed to a citizen initiative or by the Legislature.

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Senior Editor Jim Rosica and Tallahassee correspondent Danny McAuliffe contributed to this post. 

Staff Reports


90 comments

  • tabbatha couch

    November 26, 2018 at 5:45 am

    Of course Carey Theil wouldn’t be opposed to making more money off of greyhounds to pad his pockets. This whole thing is about him and his so called wife conning people out of their money. They never cared about what happened to the greyhounds once they got the tracks shut down. Exactly how much money has your grey2k given to actually rehome or care for greyhounds over the last 15 years? It would be nice to show Floridians that amount. And how much has went to support you and the wife? Way too much!

    • Dan

      November 26, 2018 at 5:02 pm

      Try reading up on 501 (c) (3) non-profits, Einstein. Then you will realize how truly ignorant your statement is.

      • Elaine

        November 26, 2018 at 8:30 pm

        Grey2K is not a 501(c)3. It’s a 501(c)4. Big difference. Grey2K donates NOTHING to greyhound adoptions. They never have.

        • tabbatha a couch

          November 26, 2018 at 8:58 pm

          Thank u elaine

  • Craig Laginess

    November 26, 2018 at 7:35 am

    I’m sick of Carey Theil and his lies. He doesn’t care about the dogs! This amendment is a joke and the CRC didn’t do their due diligence in researching the Grey2k lies I mean claims.

    • Dan

      November 26, 2018 at 5:05 pm

      And the industry has been totally transparent about doping, injury and death?
      Glass houses, pal.

      • Craig Laginess

        November 26, 2018 at 5:14 pm

        Dan, the doping happened 70 times over 10 years and it was contained ZERO canine DNA. Injuries happen less than one tenth of a percent making greyhound racing one of the safest sports for the athletes running. What was that about glass houses??? Keep going back 20 to 30 years for your ignorance. Strides have been taken to ensure the safety and welfare of the dogs.

        • Dan

          November 26, 2018 at 5:22 pm

          OK, bud. Just keep living in that parallel universe.

          • Craig Laginess

            November 26, 2018 at 5:25 pm

            Keep drinking the Grey2k koolaid. The numbers and percentages don’t lie. Pull your head out of your rear and see the whole picture.

  • Laura Chase-Smith

    November 26, 2018 at 7:52 am

    Lobbyists should never be allowed to influence a constitutional amendment. Cary Thiel and his organization will never give money to adoption groups. Why would they? So far they have not supported the greys – look at their financial report. Follow the money, folks.

    • Dan

      November 26, 2018 at 5:10 pm

      What has the racing industry been doing for decades? Lobbying the legislature! They lobbied against injury and death reporting and decoupling for years. That’s exactly why the CRC accepted the Ammendment proposal.

      • Craig Laginess

        November 26, 2018 at 5:39 pm

        Grey2k lobbied against tougher safety measures that were proposed by the industry because it would hurt their cash flow.

  • Jody Johnson

    November 26, 2018 at 7:53 am

    It would seem that grey2k and hsus, which spearheaded this smear campaign of untruths, should be the funding fathers. Those that spent millions in the smear.

    • Dan

      November 26, 2018 at 5:13 pm

      You conspiracy theorists do serve one purpose. You provide a moment of numerous respite for those of us who live in the real world.

      • Tabbatha Couch

        November 26, 2018 at 7:26 pm

        Horrible behavior by animal rights activists. Grey2K is threatening this business woman for encouraging Vote NO on Amendment 13.

        Grey2K and HSUS are also harassing Vote NO supporters at the polls. Yelling at them and scaring the greyhounds wearing Vote No on 13 jackets. Despicable behavior.

        Please Florida VOTE NO on Amendment 13.

        Subject: Amendment 13

        Shame on you for supporting the No on 13 campaign in Florida. Very sad to hear you’ve been fooled by the lies the breeders and kennel owners are telling you. Go to protectdogs.org for the truth.
        Can’t believe you are propping up animal cruelty.

        Get ready for a crappy Q4 sales cycle. Word will get out…it already has

        Jay Kirkus
        GREY2K USA

        If you’d like the screen shot you can message me. So for mr danny boy there’s some conspiracy theory proof. Plus I have a message from jay kirkus, after I posted the screenshot to his page, telling me I’d been a busy girl.

      • Jan

        November 26, 2018 at 11:27 pm

        So. Dan. You smug a##hole. Let me ask you this. Why did Grey2K have the (free to the public) kennel tours shut down???? Don’t they want the horror to be seen by everyone???? Huh??? Wouldn’t they??? No…they shut them down so they wouldn’t find the truth. Scumbags…and douchbags like you always lie…always.

    • Tabbatha Couch

      November 26, 2018 at 7:18 pm

      Yes!! Great idea. But they are too busy paying people like danny boy in this feed to continue smear campaigns.

    • Jamie Lynn

      November 26, 2018 at 9:21 pm

      I agree. You take someone down. You pay for the consequences. This never should have happened to such a wonderful breed that loves to race. Too many people believed the lies and that’s how it passed the vote. Very sad.

  • steve grabarczyk

    November 26, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    It’s going to cost the state more than Mr. Galvano realizes, and I am NOT talking about the Bert Harris act. LOL Broad & Cassel are ambulance chasers and don’t have a clue. It’s coming Bill, just wait.

  • steve grabarczyk

    November 26, 2018 at 12:49 pm

    “In contrast, gambling on dog races is a nuisance at common law”
    Says the ambulance chaser. Greyhound racing is no more of a nuisance than horse racing or Jai Alai. The animus of these people towards the dog racing industry was unprecedented. The lies and defamation are proven. Why not the same animus towards the other two pari mutual sports??? I think we know why, the fix was in from the start and only the Federal level can fix it.

    • Dan

      November 26, 2018 at 5:18 pm

      Steve, Abraham Lincoln once stated, “it is better to be thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt”. You really should take Abe’s advice seriously. Your mouth is writing checks that your body can’t cash.

      • Tabbatha Couch

        November 26, 2018 at 7:28 pm

        Hopefully soon that’ll be christine and carey not able to cash a check. Sorry excuse for humanity.

      • Jan

        November 26, 2018 at 11:31 pm

        Dan, Dan, Dan…Lincoln did not say this…you fn idiot…hahahahahahahahahahah, what a joke,….hahahahaha Lincoln…hahahahahaha *snort* hahahahahha Lincoln….hahah
        sorry…hahahaha I just, …..hahahahah hahaha

      • Chiggerbug

        November 27, 2018 at 7:15 pm

        Wrong person, Danny boy. Abe Lincoln never said that. It was King Solomon, Proverbs 17:28, Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

  • George Pouliot

    November 26, 2018 at 2:51 pm

    Carey Theil is the biggest bullshitter ever born. Ask how much money was spent on retraining the workers in the greyhound industry in Massachusetts. Nothing was, he padded his pockets with it. Grey2k was invited to come into any kennel at any time and they wouldn’t take the time. Shows they really care. I SAID THIS BEFORE, THAT QUESTION SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN ON ANY BALLOT TO VOTE ON. If you don’t like greyhound racing then don’t go to the track. BALLOTS ARE FOR VOTING ON PEOPLE THAT YOU BELIEVE IN NOT QUESTIONS.

  • Marsha Serio

    November 26, 2018 at 4:42 pm

    The missing piece here is that the adoption groups that will be challanged to find homes for these displaced dogs are nn profit organizations staffed by volunteers.
    Serious thought must be given to providing support for outplacement costs for the effected dogs.

    • Jeff

      November 27, 2018 at 5:39 pm

      Why don’t the “loving” owners of the dogs pay for the outplacement expenses? They are the ones who will be dumping them onto the already overcrowded adoption market once they can no longer make money off them. And they’ve know for the past seven months that there was a vote coming up that could put an end to their industry. Why didn’t they make provision for the welfare of their greyhounds? [Don’t bother trying to answer. It’s a rhetorical question, and we all know what the answer is.]

      • Craig Laginess

        November 27, 2018 at 6:44 pm

        Jeff you obviously don’t know a damn thing about what is going on. The vote, which was based off of the lies of Grey2k and HSUS, just took away their livelihoods. How I see it you are saying “we took away your income, but you stil need to pay for shutting down your business even though you have no money”. Youare truly an ignorant moron.

  • Ruth

    November 26, 2018 at 6:46 pm

    Carey Theil has no right whatsoever to get any funds from FL. He has absolutely nothing to do with greyhound adoptions and will never give one cent to any adoption groups. He just wants more pocket money. Hey Theil, get a REAL job. Stop using greyhounds to get your money. What state are you going to next to pay off the politicians to get racing banned Theil? Make up more lies. Beg for more donations. You don’t deserve a dime.

    • Michael

      November 26, 2018 at 11:44 pm

      He just wants more pocket money. Stop using greyhounds to get your money. Beg for more donations. You don’t deserve a dime.

      Funny you should say this.. Who uses greyhounds for pocket money???? Who is planning on suing the State for money when the racing is finished for lost funds???

      Every time I read all of the stupid posts on here from the people supporting dog racing it just boggles me how dumb you all sound. You can’t have much of an education if your reasoning behind your arguments are as lame as they get.

      • Ruth

        November 27, 2018 at 10:06 pm

        Michael I have no money in greyhounds. I don’t race them. I support them. I also foster and adopt greyhounds and find homes for them. The owners don’t get rich from racing their greyhounds but grey2k certainly gets very rich from using the greyhounds. They have more than enough money to help every adoption group take in greyhounds to find homes for, yet they won’t give anyone a dime. They will use their donation money for their salaries and lavish vacations. So who is using the greyhounds? Not the owners. Not the kennel owners either. You sound ridiculous. You have no idea what it takes to keep the greyhounds happy, safe and healthy.

  • Tabbatha Couch

    November 27, 2018 at 6:46 am

    Michael the greyhound industry never claimed that they didn’t make money off of the greyhounds. Grey2k peta, and HSUS used this argument that animals shouldn’t be used to make money. The truth is that all of those groups profit off of the animals. By using false accusations, stealing pictures, using bully tactics and smearing anyone’s business or farm to get pity money from gullible people. Doesn’t sound like you have much education in the greyhound world or the fake dogooders/con artists.

  • Fred Barton

    November 27, 2018 at 8:14 am

    It’s rather depressing to read the same comments the industry wrote before the election now that the matter has been settled. Now is the time to admit that greyhound racing is done and look to the future. The dogs have been getting a lot of press lately, but let’s not forget about the people. As Carey said, it would certainly be within the Legislature’s purview to help those people transition to life after racing. The industry could help with this if they weren’t so busy wasting time vilifying old enemies.

    • Craig Laginess

      November 27, 2018 at 9:10 am

      The amendment destroyed the livelihoods of 3k direct and 10k indirect people who actually love their jobs because off of Grey2k lies and lack of due diligence by the CRC. The leader of the Florida Senate said it’s unlikely the people affected will get any compensation through the legislature. Instead they will either go on unemployment or welfare, while Grey2k and HSUS continue to spread their lies and destroy peoples lives and do NOTHING for the dogs.

      • Fred Barton

        November 27, 2018 at 10:12 am

        “Unlikely” is not definitely. For years the racing industry manipulated the Legislature. That’s one reason Amendment 13 was necessary. Now you can put those skills to a positive use by focusing your efforts on helping the people and dogs instead of carrying on a meaningless campaign of name calling against those who opposed you.

        • Ruth

          November 27, 2018 at 10:12 pm

          So Freddy, what is grey2k going to do to help the people and the greyhounds now that they got what they wanted? I’ll tell you, NOTHING. They won’t donate a single dime to any adoption groups or kennels to help with the high costs to transport the greyhounds and vet them before they go into adoption. They got their millions from the LIES and now they are happy and contented to not do a thing. They actually can’t stand the dogs. They just use them to get their money because they are too damn lazy to get real jobs. So tell me again Freddy, how much money are your buddies are going to give to help the greyhounds?

          • Fred Barton

            November 28, 2018 at 7:42 am

            Well, your answer is right, but you reason is wrong. We won’t be able to do anything to help because you won’t let us. You’d rather keep fighting a battle you’ve already lost than commit to facing the new reality. Selfish. Immature. Counterproductive.

        • Andy

          November 29, 2018 at 9:02 am

          But you sure don’t mind begging for donations supposedly to help the dogs that you will not receive none of, do you proven liar Freddie? Once again showing your true scam colors. Don’t count your chickens just yet, Scam Bondi and Tom Lee LIED in front of the CRC, your victory was acquired through the use of deceptive advertising with stolen footage. Rest assured Scam Bondi is going to have to choose between perjury or admitting she lied. Far from a done deal proven liar Fred.

          Also, there is a move afoot to beam Australian racing into the US, so you are a long way from declaring victory, yet no doubt will continue your history of FRAUD.

          • Fred Barton

            November 29, 2018 at 10:30 am

            There’s an old saying: Plan for the worst, expect the best. If you want to hang on to some possible scenario where 13 gets overturned, fine, but you should be planning for the end of racing and looking for ways to make sure the people and the dogs transition out in a fair, safe and ordered fashion. Dream all you want, but work towards the new reality.

          • Andy

            November 29, 2018 at 11:27 am

            I began planning for the worst at the inception of this scam amendment in Nov 2017 proven liar Freddie, their certainly is a scenario where it gets overturned, a petition drive can have it on the ballot again, not to mention Fed Court where the truth is on own side. The CRC neglected to follow their own bylaws, Scam Bondi and Lee flat out lied, stolen footage deceptive commercials, and so much more, quite a bit their for a lawsuit, Hail Marys work on a regular basis, ask your perennial loser Detroit Lions, but It’s doubtful you care about football, being you are a fat slob hated by his students, good thing the little boys you chase can easily elude you.

            Anyway, Australian racing, nuch like W Va and Southland, are in great shape, your scam will not work as long as Justice is Gov, maybe grey2scum can try blackmail again there like they did in 2012

        • Andy

          November 29, 2018 at 12:01 pm

          The only thing grey2scum is interested in is having fools donate money to help dogs that they will do NOTHING for, that’s why your are soliciting donations to ” rehome” dogs that you will not be given one of. How much did you ” help” the misplaced workers in Mass, ZERO, that’s how much. You even held a fundraiser after the vote there and pocketed all the money. You, and your organization are, and always have been, SCUM. The FACT that you engage in blackmail, are proven liars, and aligned with terrorists proves it, sure can’t wait for all this to come out in Federal Court, FGA made a colossal mistake in state court not putting Bondi and Lee on the stand, not going to be the case this time

          • Fred Barton

            November 29, 2018 at 12:16 pm

            Like I said, spoiled seven year olds. Insults and rants got you no where during the campaign. Why do you insist of continuing to fight a battle you’ve already lost?

      • Dana

        November 27, 2018 at 9:46 pm

        The residents of Florida has spoke victoriously for the greyhounds. Dog racing has dwindled down for many decades because people are thankful more humane today. The owners need to do all they can to help place the dogs “they love”. Hand them over to the 300 adoption groups all over the US and Canada. Adoption groups have been picking of the peices for decades and will continue because they are the ones who truly love the greyhound.

        • Craig Laginess

          November 27, 2018 at 9:55 pm

          The owners will hand them over only to the groups that supported them, not the idiots who are trying to put them out of business. I hope that you can sleep well at night knowing that lies will have caused thousands of hard working people their livelihoods.

    • Lori

      November 27, 2018 at 10:03 am

      So now you care about the people? The people whose lives you helped to destroy? The people you lied about and smeared as animal abusers? You make me sick.

      • Fred Barton

        November 27, 2018 at 10:15 am

        The people were always part of the equation. There is ample precedent for helping them now that racing is ending. Iowa comes to mind as an example. Help won’t arrive without effort though, and you can be part of the solution, or you can stew in your anger and do nothing.

        • Lori

          November 27, 2018 at 10:26 am

          Fred, I am a greyhound adopter who is not a resident of Florida so I’m not sure how I’m supposed to be part of the solution to a problem you and your scam group caused. I tried to spread the truth and counter your lies before the election but as is too often the case, money talks more than truth does. So take your smugness, arrogance, and condescension and stick it where the sun doesn’t shine you big blowhard!

          • Fred Barton

            November 27, 2018 at 10:40 am

            You can help by spreading the word about what great pets greyhounds make and you can also add your voice to those who want the Legislature to consider the plight of those transitioning out of racing by starting a petition, or just adding your comments to news stories like you’re doing now.

          • Lori

            November 27, 2018 at 10:48 am

            I already do spread the word about what great pets greyhounds are. I also spread the word that they are such great pets because of the love and care they receive during their racing careers. I have always supported my local adoption group and will continue to do so. I am proud to be associated with one of the 102 groups that stood opposed to 13. You on the other hand, spread lies against the racing community and now show up here pretending to care. GFY!

    • Mike

      November 27, 2018 at 4:35 pm

      Fred,it’s time for the industry to sue Fl and have it overturned- it was a scam , corrupt organization Grey2k buying Pam Bondi- who Inturned Called In all her favors/when the lawsuits hit the fan- it will be interesting to watch 13 overturned-it was just lies and payola and it will be exposed-so stay In Michigan- chase little boys on your motorcycle- that’s what you do best!

      • Fred Barton

        November 27, 2018 at 9:42 pm

        Four tracks have already said they’re closing before the deadline. One even closed before the vote was taken. The writing is on the wall Mike. It’s time to face reality and help the dogs and people prepare for the end of racing in Florida, not pin your hopes on some possible Hail Mary law suit.

  • Craig Laginess

    November 27, 2018 at 10:10 am

    Lori, Fred does take after his former boss who is now charged with lying about Jack Nassar.

    • Fred Barton

      November 27, 2018 at 10:21 am

      Really? Look, I know you’re angry. If 13 hadn’t passed I’d be angry as well. But it did pass and now it’s a reality. The time for anger has passed. You have a choice. You can help to make the end of greyhound racing as painless as possible for the dogs and the people, or you can do nothing and continue to hurl meaningless insults at the people who opposed you. My father taught me something I’ve never forgotten: He said, when you hate someone, it doesn’t change them. It changes you.

      • Craig Laginess

        November 27, 2018 at 12:39 pm

        Fred you forgot the third option educate the people with the truth so that the lies of Grey2k are exposed.

        • Fred Barton

          November 27, 2018 at 1:06 pm

          See my comment to Lori above.

  • Fred Barton

    November 27, 2018 at 10:57 am

    I’m glad you are helping the hounds and I hope you continue to do so. But why waste time hurling meaningless insults? It was, after all, a team effort. Several organizations; tons of volunteers; and 69% of the voters in Florida that made this happen. It’s time to move on and see that what all those people accomplished together is carried out with care and efficiency for the dogs and the people.

    • Lori

      November 27, 2018 at 11:18 am

      My god, you’re an @sshole.

    • Andy

      November 29, 2018 at 11:30 am

      A team effort of criminal groups pushing lies and deception

  • Fred Barton

    November 27, 2018 at 11:43 am

    OK. Have it your way. When you get over your snit (if you get over it) there will be plenty to do and dogs and people in Florida will need your help.

    • Lori

      November 27, 2018 at 12:20 pm

      Just so we’re clear on this, those people and dogs are in a position where they will need help because of you and your scam group who, with financial backing from HSUS (another scam group), spent millions spreading vicious lies about them.

      • Fred Barton

        November 27, 2018 at 1:02 pm

        Every time racing ends somewhere you say it’s because anti-racing groups spread lies about it. You said it in Wisconsin, in Massachusetts, in Arizona, and in Florida. Really? That many people were fooled that many times in spite of your best efforts to “educate” them? I think that horse died a long time ago. Maybe you should stop beating it. I will agree with one thing you said though: Racing people face a new and future because of the passage of 13. The question for you is: What are you going to do now?

        • Lori

          November 27, 2018 at 5:23 pm

          There were definitely lies being spread by the Yes supporters in this campaign, whether you want to admit it or not. And to answer your question, I will continue to educate about the dogs and the truth about racing. I will continue to encourage people to donate to local groups and not to groups like yours or HSUS. And I’ll continue to think you are nothing but an arrogant blowhard who doesn’t know when to shut up and go away.

          • Fred Barton

            November 27, 2018 at 9:50 pm

            Donating to local groups is good. There’s plenty of need to go around. But educating people on the “truth” of racing is like explaining the bouancy characteristics of the Titanic after it hit the iceberg,

    • Craig Laginess

      November 27, 2018 at 12:36 pm

      Fred, you are no longer the Grey2k village idiot, you’re just an arrogant ass. We all know that you and your organization doesn’t give a rat’s ass about the 13k people losing their jobs or the dogs.

      • Fred Barton

        November 27, 2018 at 1:05 pm

        I am in favor of the Legislature helping racing people transition out and would support a package similar to the one in Iowa. I think you should too. Convincing the Legislature of that is where you should be focusing your efforts, not wasting your time calling me names.

        • Craig Laginess

          November 27, 2018 at 6:56 pm

          Fred everytime you say something you reaffirm what everybody, who is educated about the truth, says about Grey2k. A bunch of out of state activists who will gloat in winning a battle, but yet don’t do anything for the dogs and don’t car about the people who are losing their jobs because of your lies.

          • Fred Barton

            November 27, 2018 at 9:45 pm

            Apparently reading is not your strong suite. Have someone re-read my first sentence to you.

        • Craig Laginess

          November 27, 2018 at 10:01 pm

          So Grey2k puts it all on other parties and runs away. You are such an arrogant ass, the worst part is my Michigan tax dollars helps pay your salary. Time to show your posts to friends of mine that donate to Michigan State..

          • Fred Barton

            November 28, 2018 at 7:39 am

            I’m not sure how I can make this any clearer Craig. We are willing to help just as we tried to help in Massachusetts and Arizona. But as you have made abundantly clear in your comments, you don’t want our help. Heck, in Arizona we sent money to adoption groups. They sent it back. Apparently its more important to you to set us up as a straw man than to actually commit to helping the dogs and people of Florida.

    • Mike

      November 27, 2018 at 4:37 pm

      Fred, other than chasing little boys,no one wants you near thier children or your help!

      • Andy

        November 29, 2018 at 9:08 am

        That’s why all the reviews from former students have nothing good to say about him, it is all bad, much like those of us who work to expose his fraud know, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he does chase little boys, an atheist is capable of anything.

    • Ruth

      November 27, 2018 at 10:21 pm

      And when you get over gloating Freddy, what are you going to do to help the greyhounds and people in FL? Nothing right? You don’t give a damn. Why don’t you just leave and let us alone? You enjoy throwing this in our faces? You enjoy that people will lose their jobs? You enjoy that the great breed we have now will dwindle down to hardly anything in the years to come? In a few short years no one will be able to adopt a retired racer. Does that make you happy Freddy? Then go FU. Just leave and never come back. You are as evil as the two up in MA. Evil, lying bastards.

  • Dana

    November 28, 2018 at 1:09 am

    The lost jobs is Karma. When a person works for an industry that willfully endangers animals they deserve to lose their job. Do i care?, hell no. Go find a honest and respectful place of employment.

    • Craig Laginess

      November 28, 2018 at 5:43 am

      Who are you to determine what is a real job, you judgemental bitch! There is a higher risk of injury in all other professional and amateur sports.

  • Tabbatha Couch

    November 28, 2018 at 4:28 am

    Wow! Dana you are such a lovely person. I’m sure you’ve never squashed a bug in your life or spanked a child. Every time you put a child in your car or let them play outside or any sports you are endangering their life. May karma bite you in the worst way.

  • Dana

    November 28, 2018 at 12:21 pm

    Name calling, how am I not surprised and also ignorant of you both to assume I’m a woman. Bitter much? Good! People all over the US see racing as cruel and disgusting. Assuming all the people believed the lies of Grey2K is beyond silly. Wake up greyhound racing owners the world is changing and racing is going to end in the last 5 states. Prepare now you can always work at WalMart.

    • Andy

      November 29, 2018 at 9:13 am

      It won’t end in W Va as long as Gov Justice is in office, and he has 6 more years, and it’s not over in Florida yet either, also several dormant tracks are contemplating reopening, so don’t count your chickens just yet, you smug friend of blackmailers, terrorists and racketeers

  • Fred Barton

    November 29, 2018 at 11:50 am

    Yeah, except it’s not just about you Andy. What about all the other people who work in the industry? They’re going to need help as well. What are your plans for them? And don’t turn this back on us with that old, “oh they just change things and walk away” line. Almost every member of the Grey2K Board is on record as wanting to help. Your industry won’t let us. We’ve got a lot of experience working with Legislatures. You could use that to your advantage if you’d just quit acting like spoiled seven year olds.

  • Andy

    November 29, 2018 at 12:06 pm

    Is that the age of the boys you chase after Fred, 7?

  • Andy

    November 29, 2018 at 12:23 pm

    We lost the battle, not the way war. Proven liar fred says ‘ Like we helped in Arizona And Massachusetts” , except they helped with NOTHING. Fred’s proven liar weirdo vegan eric put up a FB post last night saying ” we will be getting dogs from Florida” soliciting donations, none of the scammers will be getting one dog, they just want people to think they will to donate, once a scammer always a scammer, just like the fundraiser grey2scum did in Mass after the vote, AND THEY KEPT EVERY DIME

    • Fred Barton

      November 29, 2018 at 12:55 pm

      OK have it your way, but think about this: Every time we’ve gone up against the industry they’ve fought us with insult, innuendo and intimidation. And they’ve lost. Every time. Yet you still cling to the same strategy. That horse is dead, Andy. Quit beating it. Sixty nine percent of the people in your own state are telling you your strategy isn’t working.

  • Andy

    November 29, 2018 at 1:16 pm

    Hardly ‘ every time ” proven liar Fred, we kept decoupling at bay. As for 69%, that just goes to show what 3 million dollars worth of deceptive ads with stolen footage with accomplish, in the rural areas where no lying ads were run we did well indeed. Then there is the fact that the only way it got on the ballot was the corrupt CRC process with your bought and paid for crooked politicians, who LIED before the CRC. Florida makes a mockery of democracy, like your Dem heroes in Broward county trying to steal the election.

    You say you win ” every time”, well, ah Gov Justice defeated you in W Va, did he not? Are you going to try to blackmail him too? FGA proved themselves to be incompetent, that’s why you made it this far, AND every day races take place in Florida means you haven’t won yet, proven liar Fred, Fed Courts just may not be so easily bought off or swayed by your deceptive tactics, can you spell I_N_J_U_C_T_I_O_N

    • Fred Barton

      November 29, 2018 at 5:22 pm

      Can’t compare compromising the Legislature from time to time with shutting down racing in the biggest state. Eleven of 17 tracks gone. The others will go in time.

      • Andy

        November 29, 2018 at 7:18 pm

        BUT, proven liar atheist Freddie, it isn’t shut down yet, I repeat, as long as we race you haven’t won yet, imagine if we have unlimited funds to get the truth out next vote, outspend you liars 30-1 like you liars did us this time.

        What happened you you winning EVERY TIME? West Va beat you last time, and in 2012 when you engaged in blackmail. So, EVERY TIME is yet another LIE

        • Fred Barton

          November 30, 2018 at 8:33 am

          Amendment 13 ended racing. The final countdown has begun. As for winning I was talking about shutting it down completely, not nibbling around the edges, but I see your point so I’ll amend my statement to we always win eventually. You’re on there wrong side of history Andy boy. Time to get off the train because it’s headed for a cliff.

          • Andy

            November 30, 2018 at 8:43 am

            Then by your amended statement that you always win eventually, that has yet to be determined, you smug as$%hole who even your students hate, to ‘ shut it down completely has a long way to go, Australia for example. Amendment 13 has NOT, at the the moment, ended racing, so that is yet another LIE. Could be grey2k finally ends up in criminal court EVENTUALLY too, that happens to criminal groups sometime.

            You are a member of a criminal group of EXTREMISTS, a coven it you will, like Mr Shockey rightfully refers to your partners in crime in the article you won’t comment on. You, and all your buddies, are scum, always have been , always will be. You should be concerned someone out there you cause to lose everything they have worked for all their life comes for you, it would be poetic justice.

  • What A Joke

    November 29, 2018 at 10:16 pm

    I find it laughable that now Fred Barton and the Grey2K ilk are concerned about the people, and want to help them. Did they not call these same people cruel animal abusers throughout the campaign? Did they not make these peoples children cry? So, they called the greyhound people every nasty name in the book, and now are concerned and want to help them? Give me a friggin break…
    That’s ok, because this is far from over

    • Fred Barton

      November 30, 2018 at 8:37 am

      We did go after those in racing who had been charged with illegal acts, but only to show what the greyhounds suffered under their so called care. The institution of greyhound racing is cruel by nature and those who participate in that cruelty bear some of the responsibility, but it was never really abut the people, more the institution itself. We aren’t the ones holding a grudge and refusing to look to the future, you are.

  • Andy

    November 30, 2018 at 5:38 am

    Fred, google ” fred shockley grizzley bear” and read it

  • Fred Barton

    November 30, 2018 at 9:19 am

    Well of course it’s yet to be determined. That’s what eventually means. Please read my posts before responding.

Comments are closed.


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