Staff Reports
“With 11 days remaining, Amendment 13 is poised to pass,” said a top counselor to the Protect Dogs-Yes on 13 campaign on Friday, “and the race is trending our way.”
The proposed constitutional amendment aims at ending live dog racing in the state. It needs no less than 60 percent approval from voters to be added to the state’s governing document. Specifically, it would ban betting on greyhound racing by the beginning of 2021.
Carey M. Theil, senior advisor to the campaign, released a statement with several bullet points:
“— Our fundraising advantage is now nearly 10 to 1. Our opponents have not purchased any meaningful TV time, and we are on in the six largest television markets in the state without competing spots. Our statewide television ad campaign highlights greyhound confinement and racetrack deaths.
“— Our opponents have collected a pittance in campaign donations from the greyhound tracks — a circumstance that underscores how greyhound racing is a losing financial proposition and that the tracks don’t like the state mandate that forces them to run dogs.
“— What few resources the opponents have cobbled together for digital ads sidestep the issue of greyhound racing entirely. One ad even includes the outright lie that Amendment 13 will ‘ban many types of sport fishing.’
“We have reported these ads as ‘False News.’ The Florida Supreme Court explicitly debunked this bogus claim in its 6-1 ruling in favor of Amendment 13.
“— We have secured the endorsement of 80 percent of newspapers that have taken a position on the issue, (including) the Miami Herald, Ocala Star Banner and Leesburg Daily Commercial.
“In fact, with only a single exception, we have won the endorsement of every newspaper that has a dog track in its community: The Palm Beach Post, Florida Times-Union, Orlando Sentinel, Sun-Sentinel, Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Naples Daily News, Daytona Beach News-Journal and Florida Today.
“— We have deep support among Latino voters and have won endorsements from El Nuevo Herald and El Sentinel.
“— We have endorsements from the top Republican and Democrat officials and candidates in the state.
“We have won the support of many of the biggest names in Republican politics — Gov. Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, (former Arkansas) Gov. Mike Huckabee (now a resident of the Panhandle), Congressman Matt Gaetz, and Lara Trump, the President’s daughter-in-law.
“We have also won the support of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, Democratic Attorney General candidate Sean Shaw, and a raft of other local and state officials that are documented on our website.
“— We now have nearly 800 active volunteers statewide, who are manning early voting locations in every part of the state.
“— We have also won the support of dozens of notable celebrities including Ellen Degeneres, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson, Rainn Wilson and Bette Midler.
“Florida voters appear ready to make history by voting Yes on 13 for the dogs.”
Theil, also the executive director of anti-racing organization GREY2K USA Worldwide, shared the group’s latest television ad.
48 comments
Kelly Faircloth
October 26, 2018 at 2:40 pm
I am with a local greyhound rescue group in Tampa, and we are hard at work, asking everyone to vote #YesOn13! The support from the public has been wonderful – citizens of Florida care about dogs, and will put an end to the cruel caging of greyhounds, and doping, injuries and death. We are freeing the greyhounds to live the lives they deserve, in loving homes!
#YESon13
October 26, 2018 at 2:45 pm
Your work on this issue is inspiring. Good luck at the polls! I feel a victory for the dogs!
#YESon13
Susan Bird
October 26, 2018 at 2:50 pm
Voting YES is so clearly the right thing to do. Dogs shouldn’t be tools of the gambling trade. Get them off the track, out of those kennel cages and into loving homes.
Bryan Wilson
October 26, 2018 at 2:50 pm
Thank you Kelly and all the other rescue groups working so hard to get the greyhounds out of cages and on to couches! Help the Florida greyhounds and vote #Yeson13!
Andy
October 30, 2018 at 7:17 am
You are the lardass brother of the lardass Carla, PAID pro whacktivists, don’t count your buffet trips just yet fatass, no doubt you praise Kelly since she is your frequent companion at the buffet
Don Goldstein
October 26, 2018 at 3:25 pm
It is past time to end this archaic, inhumane industry. These dogs need soft couches, not cages. Using dogs for human entertainment is wrong and now is the time to end it. #Yeson13.
Mary Stewart
October 26, 2018 at 2:43 pm
History will be made on November 6th when Floridians vote to rid their state of legalized animal cruelty. Vote Yes on Amendment 13!!
Robert Hood
October 26, 2018 at 2:45 pm
It’s 2018, and it’s time to end this cruel, outdated sport. Greyhounds are kind souls and deserve to be loved just like any other dog.
Yes on 13 😀
Leslie Sardinia
October 26, 2018 at 2:49 pm
Yes.. it is so refreshing to see both parties agreeing completely in the bipartisan Amendment 13. Thank you to the Supreme Court of Florida, for making this so clear. Amendment 13 ends the 2004 requirement that casinos must keep the greyhounds. Now the dogs can go to all the people waiting to adopt, including me!
Eric Warren
October 26, 2018 at 3:35 pm
I voted Yes on 13. It’s really a No brainer. I don’t think the other sides’ arguments make any sense to a logical voter. Thx to all of the volunteers out at the polls and thx to all of the endorsers and supporters for working so hard to get this passed!
Tina Shapiro
October 26, 2018 at 3:40 pm
Let’s join together as both sides of the aisle agree it’s YES on Amendment 13! We are looking forward for these kind Greyhounds to be embraced into loving homes.
Karen Greb
October 26, 2018 at 4:04 pm
So very grateful to everyone involved in getting to this point. This is an opportunity long in coming, and I’m very hopeful we can get it over the finish line. It will make for a more humane Florida. Please vote YES on Amendment 13 to free the dogs!
Kerry
October 26, 2018 at 11:09 pm
Thank you to everyone involved to get the truth out to the public about how abusive greyhound racing is.
I’m confident the good people of Florida dont want this embarrassment in their state anymore.
Gerry
October 27, 2018 at 12:53 pm
Greyhound racing is rapidly dying for a reason. It is not allowed in 40 states with others to follow. Even the casinos no longer want this tied to their industry. Most people around the country, and especially Floridians, will be happy when they see more than 60% yes (to end racing) on this amendment.
Dalia
October 28, 2018 at 4:01 pm
You Floridians please do your research. I have 2 retired greyhounds and I am not in FL but I feel like I need to make my voice heard for them. Please vote NO on Amendment 13 IF YOU LOVE GREYHOUNDS. What they are not telling you is if these tracks close THOUSANDS OF GREYHOUNDS WILL BE EUTHANIZED. Please, I am begging you PLEASE VOTE NO. My Greyhound rescue group is trying to get the word out. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH my retired racers are counting on you. You are being lied to. Please go to Paint the Trail on FB and read because I did and it opened my eyes.
Kerry
October 28, 2018 at 4:54 pm
Your not doing your research. The tracks have 26 month faze out. Fl adoption groups takes in thousands of dogs every year for adoption. Not one single greyhound will die. It’s very selfish of you to want to keep the abuse of racing going so you can adopt. 100s of adoption groups all over the US are ready to take the dogs in. If any die that’s because the owner had it killed.
Dalia
October 28, 2018 at 6:08 pm
Keep believing that. Grey2K and other groups like them have NO plans for the hounds if this passes. Keep your head in the sand. This is coming from someone who BELONGS to a rescue greyhound organization. We don’t have enough groups to take 15,000 plus dogs. Many will go under the radar. I have been rescuing greyhounds since I was 12. No one loves them more than me. Don’t just listen but Research!
Andy
October 30, 2018 at 5:19 pm
FAZE out, bahaha, I guess you graduated 6th grade like Jethro
Don Goldstein
October 28, 2018 at 6:07 pm
The only people that would euthanize these wonderful dogs are the owners!!! Yes, please do your research!
Dalia
October 28, 2018 at 6:10 pm
Go to Paint the Trail on FB and get your head out of the sand! Don’t take my word for it!
Craig Laginess
October 30, 2018 at 7:35 am
So Don how many greyhounds can we put you down for to sponsor at $300 each? 100? 200? The plan has no provisions for the displaced dogs and Grey2k will just leave town.
Kerry
October 28, 2018 at 9:17 pm
Paint by numbers, the cocaine sniffing idiot. Ahahaha. Just dont you worry your little brain. The greyhounds will be fine.
T Dog
October 29, 2018 at 9:56 am
Kerry,
Wow.
That’s a heavy allegation you made public against Mr. Sonksen.
Lori
October 29, 2018 at 10:04 am
Wow, quite the allegation to make against someone. Typical of the Yes side. If someone disagrees with you, make up lies to slander and defame that person. I hope he sues you.
Craig Laginess
October 30, 2018 at 7:42 am
You folks will be lucky to get 55% of the vote. Pretty sad when you resort to saying someone is doing cocaine, you better be prepared for a slander lawsuit. Maybe you can get on of the chief liars/ambulance chasers to defend you Kerry.
Lori
October 29, 2018 at 10:09 am
There are now 100 greyhound adoption groups publicly standing opposed to amendment 13. They know these dogs are happy and healthy. They know the Yes side likes to spew misinformation, propaganda, and numbers with no context to mislead voters and generate donations. Florida, do right by these hounds and the hard-working men and women who care for them. Vote NO on 13!
Kerry
October 29, 2018 at 12:06 pm
Yes on 13! The feed back on Florida residents is 90% to end the embarrassment of dog racing in their state.
Andy
October 30, 2018 at 7:15 am
Oh really, when honest polls have you losing by double digits, Mr Stiel up there doesn’t mention he is a proven liar who is aligned with terrorists, is in bed with racketeering HSUS, or that his organization has engaged in blackmail in the past. 90%, desperation on the yes side is causing the lies to become ever more outrageous. As for the politicians they are all in the pocket of casino interests.
We have NRA NASCAR AKC and many more HONEST groups on our side, Thiel is simply talking up the lack of support they have to increase the donations he is still begging for. He also doesn’t mention a good number of his ” volunteers” are paid.,
Craig Laginess
October 30, 2018 at 8:20 am
No the money raised is 90% to 10%. The liar who won’t publicly debate is putting a spin on the numbers. Based on the polls it’s a dead heat. #votenoon13 #grey2klies #hsuslies
Ken Bamb
October 30, 2018 at 10:14 am
When they open the gate the dogs run if they want to and don’t if they don’t want to run. Greyhounds are born to run!
Ban horse racing which is inhumane. Horses are whipped to run faster
Kerry
October 30, 2018 at 10:32 am
90% of people who are asked how they voted or will vote is an overwhelming 90% to end racing. This is not an official tally. It’s personal experience by those campaigning for yes on 13.
15 Florida publications support the end of racing. Many politicians, Celebrities, musicians and thousands of people want to see racing end. Its a losing industry and the tax payers of Florida are tired of it. Besides the number one reason is to save the greyhounds a life of confinement, injury, rotten teeth/ gums.
Craig Laginess
October 30, 2018 at 10:49 am
Personal experience in talking to people in your own social circle will get you 90 percent yes. It’s not a losing industry the state still makes money on the tracks. The crates that the dogs are kept in can fit my fat ass comfortably with a six pack of Michigan beer and a pound of bacon. The injury rate is less than one tenth of a percent and measures are being taken to shrink that number. The rotted teeth are due to the fact that they don’t eat as much kibble as a household pet.
Don Goldstein
October 30, 2018 at 10:55 am
No matter how much kibble they eat or don’t eat, proper dental care will prevent nearly all rotten teeth issues. It does, of course, cost money.
Craig Laginess
October 30, 2018 at 11:00 am
And how many dogs are you going to sponsor if this passes??? 10? 100? 200? That $2.5 million spent on the Partridge Family bus and false advertising could have been better used towards the welfare of the dogs.
Kerry
October 30, 2018 at 11:05 am
A 3 by 4 crate is extremely kind of finding if they really loved the dogs you would put them in dog runs where they could actually walk around and not just either stand or lay down. If the dogs were really loved better food would it be supplied and dental care including brushings.
Craig Laginess
October 30, 2018 at 11:09 am
Greyhounds sleep 16 – 18 hours a day. They are in dog runs 6 hours a day. So how many dogs can I put you down for to sponsor if 13 passes Kerry? 10? 50? 75?
Kerry
October 30, 2018 at 11:18 am
There are 4 greyhound rescues in my area. They will take 100s. All the rescue groups across the US will be ready, now thats a solid bet. So when are the owners going to start brushing their dogs teeth and gums? Come on show some real love to the dogs wellbeing for long term health.
Andy
October 30, 2018 at 4:20 pm
So now it’s going to be 90-10, riigghhttttt, keep drinking the koolaid vegan weirdo. You are simply another liar/blackmailer/friend of terrorists. Like than said, 2.5 million spent and not one dime for the dogs, grey2k and you criminals will disappear like a thief in the night. NRA helped TRUMP win florida and it will be the same here
Kerry
October 30, 2018 at 11:24 am
Heres a thought. How about the owners keep their dogs. They are responsible for them. The owners can net work the dogs on adoption sites, do the home visits, read through the applications. You know like a loving owner should do to home their dogs.
Yeah that will never happen. Greyhounds are expendable to the industry.
Craig Laginess
October 30, 2018 at 11:34 am
The owners and operators already network their dogs, but with their livelihoods being taken away from them if 13 passes then they will need financial assistance, which there is no plan for. 100 greyhound adoption groups that oppose amendment 13 can’t be wrong. #votenoon13 #grey2klies #hsuslies
Kerry
October 30, 2018 at 5:00 pm
Andy your comment tells me your trash. And your so lame pretending to know about me. Hahaha
Andy
October 30, 2018 at 5:17 pm
Well friend of terrorists, I know you’re an uneducated moron, I know the difference between your and you’re, also I know it’s PHASED out, not FAZED, so it is YOU who is lame, and the trash is on your side, no blackmailers, racketeers, or friends of terrorists on our side. After you lose maybe Carey will fly you up to Boston to comfort each other in the safe room
Jerry
October 31, 2018 at 2:38 pm
Vote no on 13. Radical non Floridians are involved with this ridiculous amendment. Grey2K is a scam and only donate a minimal amount to the support of greyhounds. If this passes, Grey2K will hit the road and numerous dogs will be put down, thanks to the efforts of Grey2K. Listen to the groups that oppose it, who are actually from Florida! Please vote no and sent Grey2K running back to New England.
Kerry
October 31, 2018 at 4:26 pm
Grey2k is not an adoption group. Grey2K is about mistreatment of greyhounds and making changes to better the dogs life. Grey2K does NOT euthanize greyhounds, just the opposite. The owners take the racing greyhound to vets office site to kill them when they suffer an injury. Racing is cruel, inhumane and an old barbaric industry. Grey2K is working to end the abuse. I’m thankful to them and many other agencies working tirelessly to protect greyhounds. 1,500 lost jobs is a small matter. Saving the 5000+ Greyhounds is all that matters.
Rescue groups are standing by. 2 yr phase out every greyhound will have a happy loving home with a soft bed, proper food and dental care.
Thank you Grey2K.
VOTE YES ON 13 END RACING NOW!
Craig Laginess
November 1, 2018 at 5:00 am
Kerry you are nothing but a liar! Grey2k doesn’t give a rat’s ass about the greyhounds. They are nothing but a scam. There will be 300 direct and 10000 indirect jobs lost if 13 passes. Oh don’t forget about the $500 million dollar tax bill for reparations and legal fees that the fine citizens of Florida will get. #votenoon13 #grey2klies #hsuslies
Kerry
November 1, 2018 at 10:04 am
Yes on Ammendment 13. Help put greyhounds into loving homes and out of a life of confinement, injuries and death.
YES on 13!
Jerry
November 1, 2018 at 10:55 am
No on 13 and Grey2K radical ideologies. If you want greyhounds to live and the breed not to be eradicated please vote NO! Grey2K can drink their Kool Aide back in the Northeast. Florida does not need them or want them to make laws and regulations for Florida. NRA, Ranchers, Farmers, and Outdoors man all oppose 13!
Kerry
November 1, 2018 at 11:19 am
The greyhound breed will not disappear. The greyhound was once treated as royalty. Man ruined the breed by turning them into racing machines. Discarded the slow and injured dogs by killing them for decades. Greyhounds still suffer today, confinement over 20 hours a day catastrophic injuries and death.
Not to mention life long catastrophic dental bills from rotten teeth and gums to the adoption groups and adopter. 40 states have banned racing. Its an old outdated industry, lossing money at every turn. But most importantly are the suffering greyhounds. ONE injury and death is too many. Help stop the racing now! As an adopter and volunteer i can’t wait for the day greyhounds won’t need to be rescued and adopted. There are plenty of other dogs that need homes. Yes on 13!
Comments are closed.