Staff Reports
Photo credit: Van Abernethy
Greyhound Adopters for Racing, a new non-profit group, says it has “formed to share its unique perspective on racing greyhounds.”
“Racing is not ‘cruel’ or ‘inhumane’ to the dogs,” the organization said in a press release sent Friday.
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.
The proposal, which needs at least 60 percent approval to be added to the state constitution, aims at ending commercial dog racing in the state. In Florida, live dog racing is still conducted at 11 tracks.
Greyhound owners and breeders, who oppose the ban, have challenged the proposed amendment in court; a trial is set for next month in Tallahassee.
Formed in early June of this year, the coalition group has well over 1,000 members in its Facebook group.
Dr. Jennifer Ng, a South Carolina veterinarian and greyhound adopter who’s president, said they’re “greyhound adopters and adoption volunteers who don’t make our livings in either racing or opposing racing, but instead are focused entirely on the best interests of the greyhounds and the breed.”
Members “have a perspective unlike any of the other groups that are involved in the debate over Florida greyhound racing,” she added in a statement. “We’ve all devoted a significant part of our lives to greyhound welfare, and have reached the informed conclusion from living with our Greyhounds and interacting with people in the racing industry that racing isn’t ‘cruel’ or ‘inhumane’ to the dogs.
“If we thought racing were either of those things, we’d be the first to say so.”
For instance, the Committee to Protect Dogs, which favors the ban, has said the animals are caged for as much as 23 hours daily, a point disputed by the Committee to Support Greyhounds, which opposes the amendment.
But Ng said “it’s a common experience among our adopter and volunteer membership that many of us held an anti-racing view initially … because we were exposed only to the misleading propaganda of the anti-racing groups.
“As we came to know the greyhounds and saw the racing environments they came from, we realized that the information we had been given by the anti-racing groups was false, and we changed our stance to pro-racing because we saw what wonderful dogs racing has produced and how it’s beneficial to the breed.”
Testimonials from adopters and adoption volunteers on why they support greyhound racing can be found on the coalition’s website.
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Updated at noon — The Protect Dogs-Yes on 13 campaign, which supports the amendment, has called the new group an “industry front group” made up of “dog racing promoters” and “akin to a proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
Their full statement, released Friday, is here.
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Updated Monday — The greyhounds adopters group has responded to claims that they are an “industry front group” by saying the accusation is “laughable in its dishonesty.”
Their full statement is here.
108 comments
John Parker
July 13, 2018 at 11:42 am
Thanks for reporting on our new organization. The actual name of the organization is Greyhound Adopters for Racing. Please visit us at http://www.greyhoundadopters4racing.com, on Facebook and on Twitter !
Michael
July 13, 2018 at 12:46 pm
To bad this coalition ignores records deaths and injuries of the dogs and bypasses and information on non recorded deaths and injuries. For some reason other than money all the opposers of the ban fail to realize that the whole country excepts the fact that dog racing harmful to the dogs. There are always a few that try to hold out and fight it out but in the end they lose the fight.
The opposers are nothing short of being totally ignorant in their arguments and lame reasoning. It is time for the opposers to go find a new job and stop trying to inflict this form of gambling which definitely has been proven by 99% of the gaming industry to be inhumane or harmful to animals.
Why dont these opposers go to other states that used to have dog racing and banned it and start a movement across the country to bring back the so called wonderful sport of dog racing? They cant and wont. They will just spew their twisted reasoning until the racing eventually dies which it will soon..
Mike
July 13, 2018 at 3:37 pm
Too bad you don’t know the truth- but I guess being another no identity Grey2k individual show in your replies – get a life- crawl back in your hole -we don’t , want or need you in Fl-go watch CNN and piss off you wanker!
Michael
July 13, 2018 at 5:22 pm
Another tough guy hiding in the internet shooting off his mouth with cheap words…. Wheres your picture??? Funny I dont see you or any one else on your side showing their face in public. If your so determined to be the tough guy get out of the shadows..
Joe T
July 13, 2018 at 5:21 pm
Micheal obviously doesn’t know what he is talking about, If the so called group that thinks it is abuse and really care about the dogs they should be going after puppy mills and the kill shelters, but then again most of the kill shelters are for the ban because they think they will have more dogs to kill, these scam groups like yes on 13 , grey2k and the HSUS are all about the donation they receive and nothing actually goes to help dogs, they use the donations to line their pockets and for traveling, Please post your facts that 99% of the gameing industry thinks this is abuse, your confused and misinformed Please visit a kennel for yourself and actually see what it is about like many people against it have done and realized that they have been lied to by the ban supporters
Michael
July 13, 2018 at 5:30 pm
Get an eeucation Joe T. Obviously you dont know the history of multiple States banning dog racing. Florida is the main holdout. Soon Florida will surrender..
LONG LIVE AMENDMENT 13. YES YES YES
Joe T
July 13, 2018 at 5:42 pm
whats an eeucation. ban racing but still let them bet on simulcasting, some states have banned wagering but not racing, only one state has banned racing, Idaho. looks like you are the one that needs education
Tara C
July 13, 2018 at 8:29 pm
Dog racing is banned in one state.. educate yourself
Ruth Hagenbaugh
July 13, 2018 at 10:46 pm
Obviously, you have no idea about what states ban racing. Only 1 state bans racing, but what is banned in other states is para mutuel betting so greyhound tracks won’t open if there is no betting. But, there is underground racing in almost every state. Why don’t you fight to stop that where greyhounds are abused? So try educating yourself.
Sylvia Kraus
July 14, 2018 at 10:31 am
Michael, what has your actual experience been, working with the greyhound racers and their caregivers, either at the breeding , training farms, or at the NGA track kennels? Have you ever owned a racing greyhound? Where are you getting your inaccurate information. HSUS, PETA, Grey2K must be your feeding zone.
Ronnie Feldman
July 14, 2018 at 5:38 am
Why are you picking on dog breeders with that stupid name to make people hate all breeders. Who are you talking about when you use PETA language. You don’t even know. You won’t do greyhounds any good working for their enemy.
Jan Sutherland
July 14, 2018 at 3:28 am
Proof of these claims would be useful. And dog racing has only been made illegal in one US state. Betting on racing was banned…not greyhound or any other type if dog racing. There are many groups who still race their hounds in lure coursing and oval racing. Because racing dogs is not abusive.
I think that you need to do much more research on the facts. You present none here. Just parroting of lies from those who make their living opposing greyhound racing.
Francesca
July 14, 2018 at 8:13 am
And yet your side condones death threats, labels Mr Sonksen a racist, and attempts to have service dogs thrown out of hob nob. Zero integrity
Jerry Brandon
July 14, 2018 at 1:35 pm
Your statement that greyhound racing was banned in other states is again another example of negative propaganda. Racing is only banned in 1, ONE, state which is Idaho and they’ve banned ALL dog racing ( sorry, dachshunds). The only reason racing stopped is that BETTING on it was made illegal.
Joyce Carta
July 13, 2018 at 1:00 pm
Out of state anti-animal welfare activists! President of this group is not even from Florida…enough with this blatant hypocrisy. Thinking, sensible, caring, dog-loving Floridians will not be fooled. Greyhound racing is as close to dead now as you can get without falling over. That final push will come on November 6th. YES ON 13!
steve grabarczyk
July 13, 2018 at 1:08 pm
No Joyce they won’t be fooled by your BS, your 100K donations from OUT OF STATE HSUS, death threats from your followers that you condone along with the immature Carlos Smith who parades as a politician, and the general vile that you people spew on a daily basis. Not to mention FALSE police reports, trying to restrict inter and intra state commerce.
So yes the people of Florida have a lot to learn about you and your organization the next 4 months.
Mark Abrams
July 13, 2018 at 3:10 pm
and grey2k is based where?…Arlington, Massachusetts….. and HSUS is based where?…..Washington DC….. ” Out of state anti-animal welfare activists! “
Mike
July 13, 2018 at 3:41 pm
No shot – No on Fl13/because you scumbag politicians Tom Lee, Palm Bondi, and the gay blade Carlos Smith- your lies are being exposed- Grey2k is a Ponzi Scheme with 300lb plus size gals trying to be important- put the donut down /get off your fat asses and piss off- fla doesn’t want you and I can’t wait to Announce the hounds are in the run for years come Dec-
Jennifer Pease
July 13, 2018 at 4:12 pm
“Mike,” I don’t know who you really are, but your ad hominem comments do not help, are distracting, and do not represent GAR and its members.
Joe T
July 13, 2018 at 5:24 pm
Joyce dont be a hypocrite, what about your group that is being run and supported by out of state lobbyist, you abuse mule and donkeys so you shouldnt be throwing stones and lying about other people real dog lovers will vote NO on 13 Dont believe the lies from the anti groups
Patti K
July 13, 2018 at 6:35 pm
No, this group is made up of adopters, many of whom live out of state because retired greyhounds are wanted everywhere. The majority of this people do, however, visit FL and have experienced farms & kennels. It is unfortunate that you obviously haven’t Joyce.
Jan Sutherland
July 14, 2018 at 3:30 am
Im pretty sure Grey2k is not based in Florida, is it?? No I didn’t think so.
Kelly Faircloth
July 13, 2018 at 1:06 pm
I’m appalled that a veterinarian (in South Carolina, where there is no greyhound racing) would be in favor of the cruelty that greyhounds in Florida deal with. Caged for 20 + hours a day, and risking injury and death every time they race. Nearly 500 greyhounds have died on Florida track property since 2013. Would you treat your dog this way? Would you want your veterinarian to do so?
#VoteYesOn13
Michael
July 13, 2018 at 1:56 pm
Dr Jennifer Ng is Asian and eats dogs for lunch..
Disgusted
July 13, 2018 at 2:10 pm
Wow… What an inappropriate and disgusting comment. Perfectly shows the mindset of the Yes on 13 crowd. Throw that in with the death threats posed by Yes in 13 supporters and the Yes on 13 board members who attempted to have service greyhounds removed from the East Side Regional Hob Nob earlier this week, and there you go… Yes on 13- no credibility, no integrity and no morals… #VoteNoOn13
Mike
July 13, 2018 at 3:42 pm
Too bad you don’t know the truth- but I guess being another no identity Grey2k individual show in your replies – get a life- crawl back in your hole -we don’t , want or need you in Fl-go watch CNN and piss off you wanker!
Mike
July 13, 2018 at 3:43 pm
Your a tool! Your comment shows you had to be in special education- your parents must be proud of you
Joe T
July 13, 2018 at 5:38 pm
shows just how ignorant the opposition is with comments like that, Racist, liars, how low can you go, your group even tried to have support dogs used by Veterans thrown out of a gathering, which by the way is against the law
Craig Laginess
July 13, 2018 at 8:34 pm
Michael your comment is totally unacceptable. Hopefully with your shallow comments that you didn’t reproduce or your kids are complete opposites of you. Vote NO on 13.
Jan Sutherland
July 14, 2018 at 3:33 am
Im pretty sure Grey2k is not based in Florida, is it?? No I didn’t think so.
Jan Sutherland
July 14, 2018 at 3:35 am
Michael. Shut your racist piehole…please…
Laura
July 15, 2018 at 9:16 am
Oh my gosh… who are you Michael and how do you get through life with such hatred and bigotry ? I think you should be banned from being able to post any further comments.
Robert
July 15, 2018 at 11:34 am
This statement is typical of those associated with Grey2k USA Worldwide. In fact, several member of their board have made several inappropriate and racially insensitive comments over the years.
Mike
July 13, 2018 at 3:48 pm
How many dogs die in puppy mills or dog fights- how many dogs are killed weekly at shelters- at least racing finds home for dogs- it’s amazing what a hypocrite you are
Karen
July 14, 2018 at 8:58 am
7.1 milliin anmals were euthanized by the HSHS in 2016.
Joe T
July 13, 2018 at 5:34 pm
How many home pets have died since 2013, your statement doesnt make sense, do you think these greyhound athletes are well toned and muscled from sitting in a crate all day, doesnt make sense does it? Athletes train to get muscle tone do you actually think they could run or even walk around a track if they sat in a crate 20-23 hours a day, your statements are as foolish as you are, do you think people actually think your telling the truth, time for you to come up with some more lies that might be believable
greygal
July 14, 2018 at 6:03 pm
Kelly, educate yourself, please. Anyone who has spent time at farms, tracks, met with trainers, owners know that your statistics are way off-base. Some Greyhounds do die, but it is not because they are not well cared for. They are not put down when they break a leg. They are treated, and then likely go to a home that adores that dog.
I was an adoption rep for a group that brought retired racers from the south. The only dogs we rescued were from totally ignorant owners. If Prop 13 is approved, there will be no Greyhounds to adopt.
Patricia
July 13, 2018 at 1:50 pm
Let’s all be APPALLED that every citizen in the United Stated does NOT follow and adhere to the propaganda of Grey2K USA and the offshoot Protect Dogs Campaign they are running. Thankfully we can think and research on our own without having to read the Grey2K Bible of greyhound racing. I am a greyhound adopter with no financial interest in racing.
Michael
July 13, 2018 at 2:02 pm
It is obvious Patricia does not know anything past her adoption of a dog. She obviously does not know what are true records of abuse and deaths. I am in the gambling industry for just about 30 years now and can tell Patricia does not know one thing about gambling nor does any other opposer of the ban. Being an adopter means absolutely nothing in the argument of Amendment 13.
Patricia
July 13, 2018 at 2:36 pm
Dear Michael,
Your statement is as dumb & ignorant as the donkey you rode in on. It simply shows how narrow minded you and your peers believe adopters to be. But one fact is clear – adopters have to right to vote too.
Vote No On Amendment 13
Mike
July 13, 2018 at 3:50 pm
It means more than a moron like you – they place dogs you fool-,Grey2k just collects money from fools like you- losing at 30 years gambling gives you no expertise
Dick Ciampa
July 13, 2018 at 4:26 pm
Michael,
Working in the gambling industry means you have been banned from donating to the people you defend. From their website,
Our supporters
GREY2K USA Worldwide is an independent, non-profit effort entirely supported by its members. People from all walks of life — including school teachers, dog walkers, veterinarians, accountants, construction workers and corporate CEOs, have joined with us to help end dog racing. We have more than 100,000 supporters, including supporters from all fifty U.S. states and from countries all over the world.
GREY2K USA Worldwide does not accept donations from individuals or corporations with a financial interest in commercial dog racing or the gambling industry.
They don’t like you and you support them.
Carey is a board member of Stop Predatory Gambling.
Pretty horrible thing you said about Dr. Ng. Maybe you should apologize.
Michael
July 13, 2018 at 5:39 pm
Working in the industry and having a piece of the action is totally two different senerios. I have not been banned from anything and never will.
Mike R
July 13, 2018 at 5:39 pm
and we all believe your lies Micheal…NOT your a troll for Grey2k
Lori Bruce
July 13, 2018 at 2:09 pm
The so-called protect dogs people want you to believe that everyone who opposes this amendment is involved in the racing industry but that is a blatant lie. My only connection to greyhounds is through adoption and I hope that Florida voters can see through the propaganda and vote NO on 13. I encourage everyone to check out the testimonial page of the Greyhound Adopters for Racing and read what the adopters have to say.
https://www.greyhoundadopters4racing.com/blogger
Mike
July 13, 2018 at 3:53 pm
Grey2k is a scam and take money from idiots and people with no identity-don’t they look at their tax returns/they are the Clinton Foundation for dogs- take in -don’t give out -don’t worry suckers -when no on Fl 13 doesn’t pass/ you can give away more of your money and continue to be losers
Aaron
July 13, 2018 at 6:31 pm
And so leaving Grey2k to the side momentarily, how can you justify the wastage and injuries caused to dogs for such pointless and meaningless reasons?
Mark Abrams
July 13, 2018 at 6:54 pm
Aaron ever spent a day in a vet’s office? or at an emergency vet?
Jan Sutherland
July 14, 2018 at 3:39 am
What wastage and injuries are you talking about? Are you saying any sport with injuries should be banned? What activity in life is completely accident free?? You’re question is ridiculous.
Mary Stewart
July 13, 2018 at 2:39 pm
The position being taken by the “Greyhound Adopters for Racing” group is complete nonsense. There are plenty of us who have been involved with an adoption group or groups for a very long time and have formed our opinions based on our own experiences.
I’m an attorney. No one is going to influence me via propaganda. I started volunteering with an adoption group over 15 years ago and I was completely appalled with what I was seeing. I picked up dogs from the tracks with teeth rotting out of their heads, covered in fleas and ticks, and smelling hideous from their consumption of raw, rotten 4D beef, and terrified of humans.
I was there when a dog had just come off the track and it was screaming its head off while trying to go the bathroom because it was detoxing and it’s stomach was rotten. I’ll never forget the dog that had just come from the breeding farm at 14 months old whose eye was the size of a golf ball and literally about to pop out of its head and the other eye was completely crusted over which made the dog blind. That poor girl was in agony every day of her life according to the eye surgeon and yet she was made to languish on the farm for over a year.
I could go on and on with what I have seen and experienced personally that caused me to devote my time to ending dog racing. And I know I’m not alone. There are many fb groups out there filled with people just like myself who know how hideous greyhound racing really is from their own experiences and it is completely disingenuous and 100% false for anyone to state why people like me know racing must come to and end. The fact is civilized society recognizes how morally wrong it is to watch dogs run around a track while risking their lives in the process. And Floridians will vote to end dog racing on November 6th.
Oh the irony
July 13, 2018 at 2:49 pm
You just love throwing out that your an attorney every single time you comment. It really is funny, is that supposed to mean something? Let’s see the next ironic thing of the day is that Grey2k is putting Paint the Trail on hlast saying he’s a white supremacist because of someone else’s comments but then Michael above says one of the biggest racist views on Asian people.
Mark Abrams
July 13, 2018 at 3:03 pm
Mary, care to swear an affidavit?
Beth
July 13, 2018 at 3:21 pm
This was 15 years ago you witnessed these horrific acts? Was it specific states, tracks, farms? As an attorney you never thought to bring a case against anyone for animal abuse?
I am a greyhound adopter and lover and a member of Greyhound Adopters for Racing. I receive no financial benefit from racing. I have been around numerous greyhounds, some that have been in homes for years…others fresh off the track. These animals are beautiful, healthy, well taken care of, well socialized and manner, and make fabulous pets…who by the way still love to run and chase!
A local humane society or shelter full of sick and mistreated animals that are set to die in a week would be a bigger concern if you want to “protect dogs”
Eric Martin
July 13, 2018 at 3:32 pm
As a commentator on Facebook that I like to follow is wont to state when people make such claims.
“Please show the receipts.”
And no, I do not make a cent off of greyhound racing, just a daddy to a grey girl who flunked out. Oh wait, she should’ve been shipped off to China for the meat trade or dropped off the ocean to be eaten by sharks or something, something, gazpacho, something like that…
And would you like to comment about one of the leading figures in your movement being linked to a group listed by the FBI as a domestic terrorist group?
Mike
July 13, 2018 at 3:55 pm
Being a lawyer/ your a professional liar- detoxing off track/ your so full of shit/ you know your a liar- and again you never did any volunteering work-,so when 13 doesn’t pass- go buy a vibrator!
Stacey
July 13, 2018 at 4:34 pm
So you reported what you witnessed to the proper authorities right Mary? So an inspection and investigation could be conducted by the state?
William C Grabow
July 13, 2018 at 5:50 pm
a Lawyer? LOL the most trusted honest profession around, wouldnt believe a word you say, after being a foster home for retired greyhounds, I have never seen an abused greyhound come form the track,
Jan Sutherland
July 14, 2018 at 3:42 am
Oh please. Complete fantasy. I have been involved in rehoming retired greyhounds for 16 years. I have fostered 26 of them. All have been happy healthy sweet normal dogs. This would not be possible if they were being serially abused.
Catherine Whyte
July 13, 2018 at 2:55 pm
Adopters who have taken the time to learn where their dogs came from have a great deal of knowledge – far greater than that of the lobbyists and the politicians whose hands they are greasing. Many of us have been adopters for many years and have watched the industry continue to improve, to fight for safer tracks (which said lobbyists oppose as they are in bed with Casino owners who want racing stopped) and to fight for their industry and jobs. Racing was stopped in other states by outlawing gambling on dogs – not the racing itself. We have visited tracks, kennels and farms and seen for ourselves how the dogs are treated, and we know that is why they are the wonderful pets they become. I am appalled by the lies and deceit, the theft of photos and videos used to twist the truth, and by those activists who have actively tried to run haulers off the road, putting dogs’ lives at risk. WE the adopters who have no financial interest in racing have gone to see for ourselves and we KNOW the dogs are well cared for. We also follow injury and death statistics and while we mourn any of these, we know that they are no different than for pets in their own backyards – as far as injuries, considerably less. OUR interest is that this unique breed, and the unique way they are raised and trained, provides the best possible retired pets and nothing else could possibly replace them.
Mary Beth Constante
July 13, 2018 at 2:56 pm
I’m a bartender – and not even at a bar at a track. I make $0.00 annually from greyhound racing. I’m just an adopter and volunteer for an adoption group.
I guess my kennel license I use to pick up retirees makes me part of the industry.
The Committee to Protect Dogs is a front group for animal rights activists and people connected to the, PeTA, Greed2k and the ALF.
They are are guilty of misrepresentation and therefore project it onto others. It’s as simple as that.
Vote NO on 13!
Don Goldstein
July 13, 2018 at 4:10 pm
Protect Dogs Yes on 13 is a grassroots effort of volunteers who want to see the end of greyhound racing in Florida because of what we’ve seen and experienced, not because of what we’ve read. And while what we’ve seen may be “atypical,” nearly 500 greyhounds dying at Florida tracks cannot and should not be passed off as inconsequential. It certainly wasn’t to those dogs. It’s time to end greyhound racing in Florida. Yes on 13!
Catherine Whyte
July 13, 2018 at 4:18 pm
Don – what you are missing is context. 500 deaths (not all of which were race related – some were natural or by disease) out of some 10,000 dogs in each of 5 years – each racing multiple times per year. That is hundreds of thousands of dog races. More pet dogs die accidental deaths in their own back yards. Any racing death is a tragedy, I agree – just as the death of a retired hound chasing a squirrel in retirement is a tragedy. The racing industry fights for the safety of these dogs every day. The Casino owners and lobby groups who grease the palms of politicians actually fight AGAINST making tracks safer. They want racing to end because it is cheaper and more profitable to have slot machines – not because they care about dogs. The give nothing to actually care for dogs. Please go and see for yourself. Many kennels are opening their doors to let the public see the truth.
Francesca
July 13, 2018 at 4:26 pm
Grassroots, right, that’s why you get 100k donations from out of state fraudster. Exactly like your *groundswell of support’ that’s why your hob nob table wasdeserted. Lies lies and more lies, now condoning death threats and slandering people by calling them racist. Reeks of desperation
Mike R
July 13, 2018 at 5:55 pm
grassroots? HAHAHAH being bought and paid for by out of state lobbyist, Don you have no credibility since you lied on TV about the crate sizes while your dogs were out in over 90 degree sun, how many of those 500 have actually died because of racing, if you want to put number out there be honest and dont hide the facts, some dogs die from cancer or other illnesses included in that number, how many has the Humane Society , peta etc killed over 5 years
steve grabarczyk
July 14, 2018 at 12:12 am
Just like the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, you can be assured that Goldstein shows up with a different lie every article. This is the beginning of the end of G2k
Jan Sutherland
July 14, 2018 at 3:47 am
Don Goldstein. Prove your honesty. 500 dogs in how many years? And how does that stand up to pet dog deaths? Cmon. How honest are you. What are the real facts? Nah…you cowards never tell the whole story. Greyhounds don’t die in any higher number than pet dogs do and you know it. But you still spread the portion of the fact that suits you. How corrupt is that?
Stacey
July 14, 2018 at 6:46 am
If you’ve seen it, it should’ve been reported to the state authorities. Show us your complaint reports, name the kennels that you claim are neglecting the dogs. Otherwise, I will never believe a word you say and you’re complicit with the mistreatment by not filing any reports.
Michael
July 13, 2018 at 5:47 pm
Working in the industry and having a piece of the action is totally two different senerios. I have not been banned from anything and never will.
Michael
July 13, 2018 at 5:47 pm
Working in the industry and having a piece of the action is totally two different senerios. I have not been banned from anything and never will.
Patti Kacer
July 13, 2018 at 5:51 pm
I am a member of Greyhound Adopters for Racing and a FL resident. I have been involved in greyhound adoption since the early ‘90s, first in NJ and now for the last 5 years in FL. Like some of you I was a fence sitter, falling for the rhetoric of the anti-racing organizations, but not sure how the beautiful animals I adopted and fostered had been abused. They were happy, healthy dogs who loved everyone, except for the occasional spook. Since moving to FL I have had the privilege of being at farms, kennels and of course the track. After seeing for myself the love and care working greyhounds receive my husband and I became small time owners. Our 4 greyhounds came home about 18 months ago and joined our 4 adopted greyhounds. We now have 5 on farms growing up to be working greyhounds.
I am appalled by the lies and misinformation continually distributed by the anti-racing groups. The personal attacks and threats on people involved in the industry is alarming. Regardless of our role, adopter, owner, breeder, trainer, etc, we all care for the dogs throughout their lives.
Vote NO on Amendment 13, I know we will!
Richard Bogardus
July 13, 2018 at 5:59 pm
Carey Theil will never debate anyone again. Not only would he lose decisively, he would be branded the Mass. debater.
Aaron
July 13, 2018 at 6:28 pm
“Greyhound racing is not cruel”
Fake news right there folks.
Stick to the hard facts. Death and injury.
Keep those issues on the table and Florida will soon be rid of this scourge.
Jan Sutherland
July 14, 2018 at 3:50 am
Really? Im supposed.to believe there is death and injury why? Because you say so? Saying it over and over doesn’t make it true. The truth us out there if you want it. You just choose to believe the lies.
Aaron
July 13, 2018 at 6:35 pm
If you think about what the poor dogs go through, it’s a no brainer. Ban it already.
As for these adoption groups supporting racing- if these dogs were loved by racing interests, why would they need adopting? They wouldn’t. True animal lovers would not be parted from their animals come hell or high water.
See this miserable cruel industry for what it is, people.
Renee Leslie
July 13, 2018 at 8:41 pm
Please be specific. Just what do “the poor dogs go through”? Have you gone to a track, kennel or farm to see for yourself? If not, do yourself and the greyhounds you say you care about the dignity of discovering the truth.
Debate!!!
July 13, 2018 at 7:39 pm
Attention Carey Theil!!! You once again have been challenged to a debate by John Parker… Put your mouth where your money is, otherwise admit that you are in deed afraid. I’m not talking about the episode with Allisson Walker, where you belly ached until you convinced them to leave it on the cutting room floor. I’m talking LIVE!!! Mr. Parker is willing, now we’re waiting on you… If you a grain of sands worth of credibility or confidence in your convictions, then you should be more than willing. Or send your wife if you’re too chicken…
Leslie
July 13, 2018 at 7:54 pm
Why are people attacking adoption people?
Because they simply hold a different opinion? Because they came an alternative conclusion than other posters?
Debate the Man
July 13, 2018 at 10:16 pm
Attention Carey Theil!!! You have once again been challenged by Mr Parker to live debate. Not that crap that you pulled at the pre recorded Round Table, where you were handed you behind on a platter and belly ached until they left it on the cutting room floor. Come on Carey… This is how you fatten your bank account… I think it’s about time to put your MOUTH where your MONEY is. That should be no problem if you have a grain of sands worth of confidence in your convictions. Or do you have to send your wife in to wear the pants once again?
Wendi Tremblay
July 13, 2018 at 10:19 pm
I know trainers and owners. They love their greyhounds. Treat them well, Feed them a better diet than too many pets get whose owners feed them cheap Kibble. Greyhounds love to run! Just try holding the leash of one at a lure coursing event. I have! They have a 99% adoption rate with the remaining 1% going home with their racing owners or becoming a stud. Females are only bred 3 times, then retired too! I have been to facilities in Kansas, in West Virginia and Florida! All of them are clean, their greyhounds are well cared for and loved. Just misunderstood by those anti everything activists who know nothing about this majestic, chase-driven breed! Go ahead, put a greyhound under age 2 in your home with no kennel and then go to work. Watch your sofa become popcorn! AKC and racers are NOT the same. I have loved and adopted racers since 1993. All have been healthy and in beautiful shape upon leaving the track! Vote NO on 13! The lives of 10,000 greyhounds, 5,000 puppies, as well as over 3,000 Florida jobs are counting on you!
Violet heat
July 14, 2018 at 12:39 am
So sick of hearing the words cruel and rescued…you people have formed your own cult and have become zombies with followers…you people live in glass houses so righteous if you cared about animals you would build more shelter space for your own animals that you house that when you run out of space you euthanize by thousands.. between the owners and groups the largest percentage (90’s%) of our breed get fostered and forever homes nothing like your heartless humane society. With all your donations and do good BS..what’s your percentage that make it into homes..mind your business we do …so go screw VOTE NO 13 .jerks
Nancy Bowden
July 14, 2018 at 1:48 am
As a greyhound owner and volunteer for a greyhound adoption group, I can say beyond a doubt that there is NO other breed like them, and they’re that way BECAUSE of their life on the farm and at the track. These are working dogs, professional athletes. After their careers are over, they’re ready for their second one: family pet. Elimination of greyhound racing in Florida, home to 12 of the 18 tracks in the country, by passing Amendment 13 will have a devastating effect on the breed, not to mention the economy of the state. The proponents of this amendment only want to expand gambling in the state by eliminating tracks and putting in casinos. Follow the money; it’s not about the dogs. #VoteNoOn13
Maurice Mizrahi
July 14, 2018 at 3:25 am
The facts are what will end dog racing The facts that dogs die at an alarming rate. The facts the state issues on deaths. The facts the facts. There is no argument. Greyhound racing is cruel and inhuman. That is why we will vote yes on 13 and we will win.
Jan Sutherland
July 14, 2018 at 3:57 am
Okay…facts. how many greyhounds die over what period of time? How does that compare to the death rate of pet dogs? But I know I will get nothing from you. Because greyhounds DO NOT die in great numbers. Please. Do us all a favour. If you claim outrageous death rates post the proof. And compare those rates to pet dogs. I think if you are honest and look up those facts you will see there is little difference.
Craig Laginess
July 14, 2018 at 7:47 am
Maurice back up your facts with actual reports containing dates and times, not just the Grey2k and HSUS broken record. They both have been challenged to live debates several times with zero response.
Mark Abrams
July 14, 2018 at 10:44 am
No maurice..dogs die at some Florida shelters at alarming rates… “Marion County’s euthanasia rate has remained steadily above 50 percent since 2010. Of the nearly 10,000 dogs and cats brought in every year since 2013, more than 5,000 of them were euthanized each year.” https://infogram.com/north-central-florida-county-animal-shelter-statistics-1hzj4olepvv74pw
Kelly
July 14, 2018 at 7:22 am
I have adopted many retirees for many years. I was once very anti racing, hearing only the negative things everyone repeats.
However, after educating myself, I am very pro racing. I’ve been to farms, behind the scenes on race nights, and never witnessed any of the false statements from anti racing groups.
I’ve adopted ex racers, who I would take to the track, and watch them go bonkers with excitement.
These dogs are well bred, love to run, and are treated as prized athletes.
Please do not destroy this breed. Please, let’s move our concern for the welfare of animals to those animals who are truly over bred for profit and treated poorly. In my opinion (and experience, ) animal welfare activism is needed so much more against puppy mills and backyard breeders.
Racing greyhounds do not need to be saved. They are a working dog, very regulated in breeding, and well loved in their careers and retirement.
Thank you.
Johanna
July 14, 2018 at 10:58 am
This group was formed and headed by people who love greyhounds and are speaking up for racing from the adoption side of their lives. We can attest that retired racers, flunkees, and brood moms are all in excellent shape after the industry pets them out to the adoption groups that are located throughout the United States and even Canada. Our brood mama just passed away at age 9 of a sudden tumor that ruptured. I was devastated that she left us so young. But in truth, 9 is a senior age and a decent longevity for any large dog breed. Our oldest greyhound lived until almost the age of 14. Racing greyhounds have excellent care and devoted people during their careers, even getting to play with children from kennel families. They have apartment-like crates that allow them to see and hear all around them while giving them privacy. Their meals are divine. And race day is a good day: a day when they get to show their buddies who is better! I’ve had dogs injure themselves running in my backyard due to irregularities in the landscape often enough but on a regulated sand track, they are safe and can run fast. I’ve taken my retired hounds to the lure course or radar run (a staple at reunions) and have been nearly pulled off my feet by my excited dog pulling to go run again and seek that adrenaline thrill that only comes from racing. That, to me, says everything about what fuels these dogs. They. Love. To. Run!
No anti-racer has ever brought up any truthful reason to end racing. Dogs don’t die on the track or in the kennel, they thrive and spend the prime of their lives doing exactly what they love with people so devoted to them that they don’t have time to rebutt the anti-racers on their lofty cushions spewing rhetoric and outrage.
Michael
July 14, 2018 at 3:35 pm
Amendment 13 VOTE YES. Long live Amendment 13. I never heard so many losers complain about wanting to be the caretakers of saving grethounds but in the same breath defend a dying gambling componant for the gaming industry. You can tell how desparate the racing componant is by using schills to spew hatred. These same people who are saviors of dogs will not go the extra mile to ban puppy mills and support all shelters becoming no kill. The commentors who push No for Amendment 13 are really desparate and try to scare, lie, and cause confusion with the voters who will prevail. There are over a miilion of us voting Yes on Amendment 13 and all we need is 60%. The Seminoles and Orlando Mouse will also make sure we will prevail. A new Governor will be in place and Dog racing will be dead.
Ruth Hagenbaugh
July 14, 2018 at 6:53 pm
Are you closing down puppy mills and fighting to keep no kill shelters from killing animals? Thousands of dog and cats die every day in shelters and by the hands of HSUS and PETA, yet thousands of greyhounds get adopted into loving homes. Why is that? Because greyhounds are so well taken care of and protected from kill shelters and HSUS and PETA, that’s why. So fight for those animals. Our greyhounds don’t need your help. They are prospering just fine. VOTE NO ON 13!
Michael
July 14, 2018 at 11:18 pm
Nice of you to answer a question with a question or two. Obviously your answer is NO your not doing a thing to stop puppy mills or kill shelters. Step up to the plate show how much you really. Spearhead the movement. If your going to do it go big or go home. There is not one opposer on here willing to say they are the driving force for such a movement. All talk no action. Put up or shut up.
Andy
July 14, 2018 at 8:10 pm
First of all, go back to school and learn how to spell, it is S_H_I_L_L, and D_E_S_P_E_R_A_T_E, it is your crowd that is desperate my friend, that is why we have received death threats and branded racist, not to mention your side attempting to break the law by evicting service dogs, there are ” a million” of you huh, I guess that is why your kickoff meetings had a whopping 20-30 people present, not to mention the only individual at your hob nob table was the invisible man. Disney and Seminoles help you win? Stop smoking that stuff, They both want if to fail because they are well aware that means tracks become CASINOS. That is the whole idea behind this, Yes on 13 cares nothing about dogs or anything else but DONATIONS, and they sure have you fooled, there sport.
Michael
July 14, 2018 at 11:11 pm
Ok mister perfectly explain why the Seminoles want it to fail if they gave over a million so far to support the amendment??? The vote is to keep the racetracks from expanding into casinos. The Seminoles and the petitioners are allies in this move. Dog racing is one small componant in the bill. By the way where is the opposers petition to stop the bill?? There is none. All you have are a few knuckleheads posting crap and try to be internet bullies who hide in the shadows on the net. Show your faces in force. Gambling on dog racing is dead and has been dead for years. The tracks lose money every race. The tracks want decoupling so they can offer gaming that makes more money. Dog racing is a leach on the gaming industry. Your scared because the dog owners will be out of business and thats the way it works. So stop your b***s**t. You punks dont scare anyone.
Jan Sutherland
July 14, 2018 at 11:44 pm
Oh okay Micheal. Your last post shows what you are… a simple thug. You have no proof for the lies you spread. This has never been about the welfare if the dogs. It has been about expanding gambling. Finally an honest comment from you. So please. Shut up about the dogs. You just admitted that the job you are getting paid for is to spread lies about greyhound racing to fool voters into voting for gambling while they think they are voting to help dogs. What a lowlife scumbag. How do you sleep at night. I need a bath after reading your last post. Shameful. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Andy
July 15, 2018 at 6:40 am
They gave a million to support Amendment 3, not 13. Showing your ignorance there sport, just as you are when you demonstrate you don’t know the difference between ” your ” and “you”re “. Really, you should consider taking English 101 at your local college.
Michael
July 15, 2018 at 11:21 am
13 and 3 go together. They work hand in hand.
Andy
July 15, 2018 at 11:58 am
Wrong, they don’t go hand in hand . 3 can pass and 13 fail, or vice versa. Seminoles put up money because they don’t want expansion of gaming. Which is exactly what will happen if racing is banned, but we are going to win.
Jan Sutherland
July 15, 2018 at 4:02 pm
Micheal. This is your most honest statement. And the real point of having 13 on the ballot.
“The tracks want decoupling so they can offer gaming that makes more money.”
So shut up about non existant abuse on the track. You know it is a complete lie. Man up and be honest. Maybe you can salvage your character if you do.
If they want to decouple to bring in more gambling be honest…put that to the voters. Don’t lie and say it is because the dogs are abused. Problem is the greedy casino companies know that Floridians dont want more gambling…so they do a back door attack…on honest people and their non abused dogs. What kind of a**shole uses animals and honest people to increase the millions casino companies want to milk from Florida. Please…you should be ashamed.
Michael
July 15, 2018 at 6:31 pm
And I believe that cocaine naturally occurs out of thin air and gets in the dogs systems.. NOT.. That is the biggest lie ever. Trace amounts of a drug that has to be manufactured does not occur naturally and has to be administered by a human being. We know this occurs at the tracks because the DBPR held a session on it and spent hours on new test result acceptances. Races are fixed and that has been proven by drug use. It has been going on since racing was born. Whether it be dogs or horses its a fixed system thats why we have drug testing. Dont ever kid yourself and think it is a squeaky clean harmless form of entertainment. Your best bet is to fight the betting portion and you can all live happily ever after and you can still have fun letting your dogs run in a circle instead of any direction they want to run in.
Jan Sutherland
July 15, 2018 at 6:55 pm
Micheal. If you were HONEST. You would also state that it was proven that those samples where NOT EVEN HUMAN URINE. Good god…are you that desperate? And even if they did find those amounts in dog urine. Those levels would be okay for an airline pilot to go to work. Plus cocaine does not stay give an effect longer rhan about 20 minutes. Dogs are dropped to the track 2 hours before they race. So they would have to have the drugs administered no more than 20 minutes before race time. How is that possible??? The whole cocaine lie has been thoroughly slaughtered. You really need re desperate.
Bouncy Bambi
July 15, 2018 at 9:58 pm
You “YES” people dont care about animals or people …It is all about your donations..How can you not be ok with dogs having to retire and be adopted in an ordinary and orderly fashion in our own industry that brings joy to us everyday we walk into work and because animals are happier to see us than any person in an office…you people are really ok with families going hungry and homeless because this for most of us has been a long line of family passed down business…my kids know how to respect and properly handle animals how about yours ….as you collect donations to put me and mine on the streets enjoy your dinners and vacations in the name of being a goodie.find something that needs to be rescued and leave us alone …maybe build more shelters instead of euthanizing over 70% of your healthy animals…I bet they would rather work than die ..I would like my share of the donations you collected for me and my family..cause now that I am out of business ..I have no income and no skills .thank you for having such a kind heart..vote NO before you ruin the rest of the state and the industry
Michael
July 14, 2018 at 11:23 pm
Nice of you to answer a question with a question or two. Obviously your answer is NO your not doing a thing to stop puppy mills or kill shelters. Step up to the plate and show how much you really care. Spearhead the movement. If your going to do it go big or go home. There is not one opposer on here willing to say they are the driving force for such a movement. All talk no action. Put up or shut up.
Andy
July 15, 2018 at 9:02 pm
Hey, doesn’t know proper grammar grey2k SHILL. funny you didn’t bring the 3 and 13 difference I had to educate you on. You have no clue concerning the truth there, thus only an imbecile would take your word on anything, greyhound related or not. Keep drinking the kool-aid, fly to Boston to enter Mr Stiels’s safe room after you lose. TRUMP2020.
Jan Sutherland
July 16, 2018 at 12:05 am
Michael…we are a group dedicated to the survival of racing greyhounds…not nutbar animal rights activists. What exactly is a puppy mill? There is no agreed upon definition. You crazies find a hoarder ( a treatable mental illness by the way) and wave the dogs around in the media and yell “PUPPY MILL…PUPPY MILL”. If you knew anything you would know that most of rhe millers have left puppy milling and have entered the much more lucrative retail rescue con game. Hell thebmillers dont evennneed to beeednpuppies…they just find litters to confiscate yelling ouppy mill and sell them for hmmj unfreds of dollars. Its a much better business plan. And it’s a con game I’m sure you support Michael. Because you are simply incapable of thinking for yourself. As do all you numb skulls that think greyhound racing is abusive. Be brave son. Open your eyes. Let in the truth. Either that or shut up and leave us alone.
Laura Chase-Smith
July 15, 2018 at 5:37 pm
I just want to leave my opinion here. I have volunteered for 9 years at an adoption kennel for retired greys. I have not seen abuse – only strong, beautiful, mentally happy dogs. These dogs are well taken care of BEFORE we receive them. People need to do their own research – and ask hard questions in order to make a decision. Anyone that adopts a retired greyhound athlete knows the value in what they have – social, sweet, and loving dogs.
Jan Sutherland
July 16, 2018 at 12:06 am
I think we have shut Michael up…by golly. And he said he was such a tough guy…lol sissy.
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