Staff Reports
The political committee looking to defeat a proposed constitutional amendment to ban greyhound racing in Florida brought in just $6,644 last week, according to a new campaign finance report.
The Committee to Support Greyhounds opened up last month for the “purpose of promoting greyhound welfare, racing, and adoption, as well as educating the public regarding the life of racing greyhounds.”
Or, in other words, to oppose Amendment 13.
After six weeks of fundraising, the committee has now raised a little over $21,000 and has about $13,000 in the bank. Their newly reported donors include West Virginia car dealership owner Lester Raines and Iowa dietician Ann Wennberg, both of whom checked in at the $1,000 level, along with 65 other donors who chipped in smaller amounts.
In addition to the monetary support, the anti-Amendment 13 group received more than $12,000 worth of “in-kind” support.
Gary Keller, part owner of stock car racing team JD Motorsports, was the source of $10,000 of those benefits thanks to his putting a sticker on one of the team’s cars.
The Committee to Protect Dogs, the group behind the “Protect Dogs – Yes on 13” campaign, has vastly outraised their opposition.
Though the committee has not posted its report for July 7 through July 13, it had already cracked the $300,000 mark in total fundraising before the end of June.
That fundraising was on the back of $100,000 checks from The Humane Society of the United States and Grey2K USA Worldwide. The committee had $291,500 in the bank on July 6.
Amendment 13 was placed on the ballot by the 2017-18 Constitution Revision Commission. It would outlaw betting on dog races beginning in 2021. Amendments need at least 60 percent approval to be added to the state constitution.
60 comments
Patricia
July 20, 2018 at 2:14 pm
So proud to stand with and be a part of a TRUE grassroots campaign.
#VoteNoOn13
Jody
July 20, 2018 at 2:40 pm
Correct. Did this with no help from donate buttons of anti-animal people.
Craig Laginess
July 20, 2018 at 2:40 pm
And there are crickets from the other side… Vote NO on 13.
Steven M Grabarczyk
July 20, 2018 at 2:48 pm
In the end, the TRUTH and the exposure of their LIES will be worth more than any $$$
Jim Rosica
July 20, 2018 at 3:35 pm
P.S. Thanks for your messages today, Steve. I appreciate it.
Jennifer Newcome
July 20, 2018 at 3:18 pm
The Committee to Support Greyhounds is a REAL grassroots campaign. We are not a front for any other group. We are so proud and appreciative of all of the support we have received from greyhound lovers nationwide!!! #VoteNoOn13
Wanda
July 20, 2018 at 3:28 pm
Proud to be for Professional Racing Greyhounds. Arrange a Visit to a track, kennel or farm, and voters will see happy, healthy Greyhounds. Seek the truth and you will #VoteNoOnFl13
Joe T
July 20, 2018 at 3:47 pm
the opposition might have money and lies on their side, but the TRUTH will prevail, Real dog lovers will VOTE NO ON 13
Travis Journey
July 20, 2018 at 7:34 pm
Are you retarded? I worked in the greyhound industry for years every track has deep freezers just to put dead dogs in. Also they haul dogs to Kansas to be put down once they are no longer earning money. Please take your stupidity elsewhere.
Craig Laginess
July 21, 2018 at 9:17 am
Travis, when did you last work in the industory? 1986? Ever since caring owners and trainers helped develop an adoption network the adoption percentage has risen to It’s current 98 percent rate with the other 2 percent being kept as pets by owners and trainers.
Jennifer Newcome
July 21, 2018 at 12:14 pm
Travis, not only is your “information” decades old, but your word choice is quite offensive. That seems to be the norm with Yes on 13 supporters. I can’t say that I am surprised, but I will say that I’m glad that you are part of the opposition, as the Committee to Support Greyhounds operates with a more classful and informative approach, rather than name calling and fake news.
Jennifer Newcome
July 21, 2018 at 11:19 am
That’s utterly ridiculous… Holding the greyhounds hostage? Not a chance.
The fact of the matter is that there are many pro racing and truly neutral adoption groups, who respect and appreciate the history of these amazing athletes, to place them for adoption when they retire. In fact, many of these groups have adopters on waiting lists until retired racers are available for adoption. With that being said, there is simply no need for owners and trainers to place a retired greyhound with a group who will turn around and accuse these same people of abusing and mistreating the dogs.
Fred Barton
July 21, 2018 at 11:34 am
It is utterly ridiculous, I agree with you. It’s also true. I volunteer with two adoption groups myself who have been told they will not get dogs because of their anti-racing stance. I have friends in other states whose groups have been told the same thing. Maybe it’s not totally a hostage situation. Perhaps extortion is a better word to describe what the industry is doing.
Craig Laginess
July 21, 2018 at 9:43 pm
Fred, if you are calling someone who doesn’t want to give you dogs because you are out there openly trying to ruin their livelihoods with theft, lies and manipulation, extortion your logic is effed up. Its obvious that you are not a businessman.
Jennifer Newcome
July 21, 2018 at 12:16 pm
Travis, not only is your “information” decades old, but your word choice is quite offensive. That seems to be the norm with Yes on 13 supporters. I can’t say that I am surprised, but I will say that I’m glad that you are part of the opposition, as the Committee to Support Greyhounds operates with a more classful and informative approach, rather than name calling and fake news.
Jennifer Newcome
July 21, 2018 at 12:21 pm
And now it’s extortion? Come on…
Again, with the abundance of pro racing and neutral adoption groups available to take retired racers into their adoption programs, why would any one want to send a retiree to a group who accuses the trainers of abusing the dogs? The greyhound industry is proud to work hand in hand with responsible, respectful adoption groups to ensure that every retired racer is matched with the perfect home for the greyhound and their new family.
Fred Barton
July 21, 2018 at 12:43 pm
Well, one reason might be the greyhounds you’re supposed to care so much about. Another might be that the industry worked with anti-racing adoption groups for years. It’s only been recently that the word has gone out to deny dogs to these groups. A third might be that volunteers in anti-racing adoption groups, like volunteers in any adoption group are more concerned with getting the dogs into loving homes than they are with destroying anyone’s livelihood, such as it is.
Fred Barton
July 21, 2018 at 12:46 pm
Yeah, extortion. I volunteer with an adoption group that was told in no uncertain terms what they would have to do to downplay their anti-racing stance if they wanted dogs. I know of other groups who refused to play along and as a result now have to go to China to get dogs, even though there are abandoned greyhounds right here in the states looking for homes.
Jennifer Newcome
July 21, 2018 at 1:13 pm
And again… Why would the greyhound industry choose to work with groups who not only accuse them of being animal abusers, but are also setting out to destroy the livlihoods of thousands of families? With there being a more than sufficient amount of PR and Neutral adoption groups who are working hand in hand with the greyhound people to find homes for every retired racer, there is no need to give dogs to the vile and hateful Anti Racing groups. With that being said, having all of the US retired racers covered, this gives an opportunity to the self proclaimed “rescue” groups to do just that. Rescue galgos, rescue the Macau greyhounds. But there is no need for US racers to be “rescued.” We have their Retirement and Adoption covered. Or perhaps your people can “rescue” shelter animals who are being euthanized by the thousands right here in the US.
Fred Barton
July 21, 2018 at 4:06 pm
See my response to Craig.
Jennifer Newcome
July 21, 2018 at 4:52 pm
Fred, I’ve addressed your statements several times already. You are absolutely right- anti racing groups ARE being denied retired racers. That is quite openly admitted. Having the option to place all retired racers with PR or Neutral groups is a much better choice for the owners and trainers. These groups appreciate all of the love and care that go into the greyhounds from birth right on through their racing careers. These groups ENCOURAGE adopters to visit kennels and farms, to connect with their retirees racing people and to look into the history of their retired racers. As opposed to AR groups, who use false stories of abuse to tug on heartstrings and wallets. AR groups who discourage adopters from looking into the history of their retired racer. It is the AR groups who exploit and pose a disservice upon the greyhounds. What trainer would want that for their dog, when they have a much better option by way of PR and Neutral groups? None. And that’s exactly why AR groups Don’t and Won’t receive retired US racers. You try to spin it like it is a bad thing, when in fact it is just the opppsite.
Fred Barton
July 21, 2018 at 5:10 pm
Well, if that is the reasoning behind the industry’s decision (and I have to admit I’m skeptical) then you really ought to examine the optics. There there are more greyhounds abandoned by the industry than ALL of the adoption groups (PR and AR) can find homes for. Cutting out a group of experienced people ready and able to help you out because you don’t like their views makes you seem petty and more concerned about your feelings than the welfare of the dogs.
It also complicates your public relations campaign when you try to tell people what a wonderful life greyhounds have at the track and how well they are cared for, then turn around and refuse to let certain groups of people–many of whom have a long track record of placing greyhounds in loving homes– continue caring for the dogs who no longer make money for you. Makes one wonder about the depth of your commitment to the dogs when they are no longer any use to you.
Jennifer Newcome
July 21, 2018 at 5:28 pm
That makes no sense what so ever. There are NOT dogs being abandoned. There are PR and Neutral groups to help place all of the retirees. AR groups are not needed, nor are they deserving. The racing community is PROUD to be able to truthfully say that all retired racers are placed for adoption unless kept by their owners and trainers. We love our dogs, and want them to be with people who respect and appreciate that, rather than with groups who slander us, using our retired racers against us. That is what we want the public to see- the TRUTH… That we love our dogsb and that the welfare of the greyhounds is not in jeopardy.
I don’t see what the Antis problem is… You claim to be “rescuers” so go… Rescue the galgos, rescue the Macau greyhounds. Again, the US racers are in no need of your “rescuing.”
Craig Laginess
July 21, 2018 at 9:48 pm
Fred, you’re right in a sense. As in their racing career is abandoned(given up on) when the greyhounds slow down as defined by Webster. Their lives however are not abandoned as Grey2k and the other anti-racing groups love to lie.
Fred Barton
July 22, 2018 at 7:17 am
a·ban·don
əˈbandən/
verb
verb: abandon; 3rd person present: abandons; past tense: abandoned; past participle: abandoned; gerund or present participle: abandoning
1. cease to support or look after (someone); desert.
Looks like a fair description of what happens to greyhounds when you can’t make money off of them anymore.
Fred Barton
July 22, 2018 at 7:20 am
” Its obvious that you are not a businessman.” No, I’m not, but thank you for admitting that it’s all about the bottom line and the welfare and safety of the greyhounds comes after that. People who volunteer with adoption groups care about the lives of the animals they take under their care, regardless of their personal opinion about racing. Clearly, you are not interested in that aspect.
Craig Laginess
July 22, 2018 at 9:01 am
Fred, and you wonder why people HATE Grey2k!!! Twisting and manipulating the words and truth to how they see fit to get donations. But yet those donations pay salaries of liars and thieves.
Fred Barton
July 22, 2018 at 9:49 am
Actually you hate (and–if you’re smart–fear) us because we’re good at what we do–ending greyhound racing. Now you’re in our sights and even if Prop 13 doesn’t pass you know we aren’t going away.
brian brady
July 22, 2018 at 10:04 am
Fred, if there are so many abandoned dogs why do these anti racing groups care if they get directly from the owners? Why do you “have” to go to china? Simply “save” all these abandoned hounds? The only plausible explanation is that your claim of abandoned dogs is blatantly false!!! #No on 13
Craig Laginess
July 22, 2018 at 10:00 am
You are good at lying, manipulating and stealing. When 13 fails, if it even makes it to the ballot, I’m sure Grey2k will bribe politicians in other states.
Jennifer Newcome
July 22, 2018 at 11:30 am
We should fear Grey2K? Should we also fear their sham group Yes on 13? That’s laughable. In the past, you people have run your trail of carnage virtually unopposed. Well, those days are over. The greyhound people are tired of the lies. Tired of being accused of wrongdoing that is not taking place. Tired of watching your leaders line their pockets with donations from good hearted but mislead followers. Tired of letting you slander us without repercussions. The doors are opening up. People are coming to see for themselves. The word is being spread, and it’s fantastic!!! People want the truth, and we are the ones who are in the position to give it to them. Greyhound racing in Florida isn’t going anywhere
Fred Barton
July 22, 2018 at 11:45 am
Google whistling past the graveyard.
Fred Barton
July 22, 2018 at 11:51 am
You give us more credit that we deserve, but thanks anyway. Now think abut this: if we were able to control politicians as well as you say we can, wouldn’t we have won the decoupling issue?
brian
July 22, 2018 at 12:40 pm
Fred, what about saving the alleged abandoned greyhounds? Where are they? Another grey2k falsehood is being questioned. What is your rebuttal?
Craig Laginess
July 22, 2018 at 12:50 pm
That’s why you had to go through the CRC instead. Let’s see 4 of the 8 proposed amendments are being challenged in court now. As a BIG MIDDLE FINGER to Grey2k I will donate all of my winnings from the greyhounds racing in WV next week towards the Vote No on 13 campaign.
Fred Barton
July 22, 2018 at 3:53 pm
Really? Since in your world we buy up politicians, don’t you think it would have been easier (and cheaper) to buy up a few well placed legislators and pass the decoupling bill rather than go through the whole process of getting an amendment on the ballot and then leave it up to the voters to decide?
Craig Laginess
July 22, 2018 at 5:03 pm
Fred, heaven forbid you take away from the salaries of liars and thieves. A few bought legislators failed so now its plan C. Decoupling failed and so will the ammendment if it even makes it to the ballot. None of the proposed amendments are good for the fine citizens of Florida.
Fred Barton
July 22, 2018 at 3:59 pm
Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear. Adoption groups with an anti-racing stance are being refused dogs. For instance, a group I volunteer with was told flat out they wouldn’t get any more dogs unless they made some changes to their web site, promised not to say negative things about racing to potential adopters and generally keep any anti-racing thoughts to themselves.
Some groups are going along with it because they feel it’s more important to save abandoned greyhounds, but if you think you can change what’s in people’s hearts by silencing them, you’re sadly mistaken.
Fred Barton
July 22, 2018 at 4:01 pm
When a greyhound stops making money for you, you abandon it. Luckily people who suffer from chronic empathy come along and clean up after you.
Jennifer Newcome
July 22, 2018 at 5:07 pm
The majority of owners and trainers like to get updates on their retired racers and connect with their new families. Most even include a note with info about the hound as well as their own contact information.
Strangely (or not so much), the AR groups seem to lose that info along the way, or encourage adopters to not look into the history of their retired racer. They even go as far as to make up a horror story about the dogs previous situation, in order to discourage investigation on the adopters part, and to make them feel as if they did in deed “rescue” the greyhound. We have hundreds of testimonials that say that exact thing, all coming from people who adopted from an AR group and then found the TRUTH, and became pro racing.
You can try to spin it in any negative way that you want, but the greyhound people don’t deny the fact that Anti Racing groups no longer receive NGA greyhounds. Seeing as how that decision is left to the owners and the trainers, that is certainly their prerogative. They do what is in the best interest of the greyhounds. It is not in the best interest of the greyhounds for them to be handed over to people who call those who have loved and cared for these dogs since day one abusers, or who feel sorry for their racing careers instead of taking pride and respect in them
Fred Barton
July 22, 2018 at 5:19 pm
Oh, I see. So we’ve been buying up politicians all along and just haven’t gotten much bang for our buck so now we’re letting the people decide. I’m having trouble following the logic of that. Also, I wish we had that much money.
Fred Barton
July 22, 2018 at 5:24 pm
Sorry, not buying it. Many AR groups have worked with the industry for years and successfully placed thousands of dogs you abandoned when they became unprofitable. You say trainers follow up on their old dogs. So? That’s irrelevant–and in my experience not true. We’ve been told by trainers who want to give us dogs that they’re getting pressure from the NGA.
Brian
July 22, 2018 at 5:39 pm
Ok Fred, let’s try this again. You made a statement. Dog owners are refusing dogs to your groups. You also say these same owners are abandoning dogs. Where are they? Where are the abandoned dogs you know exist? Where Fred? Where? #noon13#helpfredfindthelostdogs.
Craig Laginess
July 22, 2018 at 6:42 pm
The lobbying expense and salaries lines in Grey2k’s financials could be used towards the care and welfare of the dogs instead, just saying. I am sure that Carey and Christine, could find work with the HSUS.
Fred Barton
July 22, 2018 at 9:27 pm
When a greyhound becomes unprofitable it is abandoned by the industry. Luckily there are people who suffer from chronic empathy who come along, find a home for that dog and thereby clean up your mess.
Fred Barton
July 22, 2018 at 9:31 pm
You miss the point. Grey2K exists to end racing. I’m sure you would prefer we put our money into something that would allow you to keep,exploiting and discarding greyhounds, but that’s not what we’re about.
Craig Laginess
July 22, 2018 at 9:55 pm
Fred, they aren’t exploited, they love to run. As I type this my two greyhounds are running around in my backyard. The only financial interest I have in them are my meager bets. If I win half of my winnings goes towards pro-racing or neutral adoption groups. If I lose, it’s entertainment for my wife and I. Why aren’t you attacking the thoroughbred horse racing industry? Grey2k has a history of lying, manipulation and theft. Carey and Christine could become greeters at Walmart, if 13 even makes it to the ballot we all know that it will fail if it does. The truth about Grey2k has been exposed and I’ll be drinking one of Michigan’s finest beers, here in Michigan when it fails.
Fred Barton
July 23, 2018 at 8:00 am
Yes they love to run and you exploit that simple pleasure by putting them in an arbitrary environment where they are subject to injury and death, then making money off of the ones who survive.
Craig Laginess
July 23, 2018 at 8:56 am
Fred, the only exploitation going on is by Grey2k and the HSUS with their lies, manipulation and theft, so they can get donations from the uninformed and gullible. My greys are more likely to get injured in my backyard than they were at the track. I know for a fact that one track tweaked it’s grating of the track after they brought in a very experienced harness racing guy and their injuries dropped to near zero. They also report ALL injuries including bleeding toe nails to happy tail to a broken leg, weather they happen during a race or not.
Fred Barton
July 23, 2018 at 11:18 am
The fact that the industry has been forced to report injuries after fighting it for years excuses nothing. When your dog is hurt in the backyard, that’s an accident. When a greyhound is injured or killed at the track that is the direct result of an industry that exploits them for profit.
Craig Laginess
July 23, 2018 at 4:41 pm
Fred, as I mentioned earlier, the only exploitation going on is by Grey2k and the HSUS with their lies, manipulation and theft to get donations from the gullible and uniformed. Seems to me that Carey and Christine are the ones profiting from exploiting the greyhounds for profit. The financial statements don’t lie. Grey2k lost in WV last year and they will lose in Florida this year.
Fred Barton
July 23, 2018 at 5:47 pm
” Seems to me that Carey and Christine are the ones profiting from exploiting the greyhounds for profit. ”
Oh, and you’re just in it for, what? The perks?
I’ve written before that if Grey2K is only in it for the money they’ve got a really bad business plan because they’re trying to end their source of income.
Craig Laginess
July 23, 2018 at 7:29 pm
Fred, I’ll tell you again, the o ly financial interest I have is when I win betting on the dogs and then half of my winnings go to pro-racing or neutral adoption groups. The biggest perk I get is watching them run. I also get to argue with close minded folks like you, which can be both entertaining and frustrating at the same time.
Fred Barton
July 23, 2018 at 9:11 pm
You bet. They die. Giving away part of your winnings does not excuse you.
Craig Laginess
July 24, 2018 at 7:07 am
“You bet. They die.” Gee another false Grey2k slogan from what 15 – 20 years ago? I am not looking to be excused for my actions because I am supporting good, honest, hard working people. I would be looking for excuses if I donated to groups like Grey2k, HSUS and PETA, but they will never see a dime of my hard earned money or my time.
Fred Barton
July 24, 2018 at 7:36 am
I see. So those greyhounds that die on Florida tracks aren’t really dead? They’re what? Retired with extreme prejudice? It’s not an either or situation. Your don’t have to participate in the heartless exploitation and needless injury and deaths of greyhounds OR give money to us. You could just stop being a part of an industry based on cruelty and let it go at that.
Craig Laginess
July 24, 2018 at 12:41 pm
Fred, we’ll agree to disagree. You’ll keep spreading the Grey2k lies and I’ll keep speaking the truth about greyhound racing and the great care that the dogs receive. I hope that you haven’t expressed your opinions to the students that you have taught at Michigan State.
Fred Barton
July 24, 2018 at 4:31 pm
Actually, my students and I worked on several animal rights projects over the years. We worked with the local Humane Society, several breed rescue groups and once with REGAP. As you may surmise that last one didn’t sit well with the industry and resulted in several letters and phone calls to the university trying to get me fired.
We suggested a debate between representatives of REGAP and PR folks, but your side demurred. Then we invited the PR folks to come and talk to the students, but they never showed up. It seems then as now, the industry really has now response when confronted with the moral and ethical failings of racing and thus has to resort to name-calling, obfuscation and distraction. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
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