It’s Time to Go All In! – Florida’s Amendment 13

BY CAROLINE COILE

On November 6, Florida voters will go to the poll to vote on an innocuous-sounding matter that reads, “Phases out commercial dog racing in connection with wagering by 2020. Other gaming activities are not affected.”

I believe that there is no more pressing and imminent threat to the sport of purebred dogs than this vote. Amendment 13’s entire language, specifically the second sentence, makes it clear this is not a gambling issue but rather a “humane” issue. “Prohibition on racing of and wagering on greyhounds or other dogs.—The humane treatment of animals is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida. After December 31, 2020, a person authorized to conduct gaming or pari-mutuel operations may not race greyhounds or any member of the C subspecies in connection with any wager for money or any other thing of value in this state, and persons in this state may not wager money or any other thing of value on the outcome of a live dog race occurring in this state. The failure to conduct greyhound racing or wagering on greyhound racing after December 31, 2018, does not constitute grounds to revoke or deny renewal of other related gaming licenses held by a person who is a licensed greyhound permitholder on January 1, 2018, and does not affect the eligibility of such permitholder, or such permitholder’s facility, to conduct other pari-mutuel activities authorized by general law. By general law, the legislature shall specify civil or criminal penalties for violations of this section and for activities that aid or abet violations of this section.”

The humane treatment of animals may be a fundamental value of Floridians, but what does that have to do with racing Greyhounds (And if you missed that discussion, read my article “Unlucky 13” in last month’s Canine Chronicle)? What does humane treatment have to do with whether wagering is involved or not? They have not specified which aspects of racing are allegedly inhumane. Is it the running and its alleged risk of injury? If so, why not target lure coursing, agility, and almost any athletic dog sport next? For that matter, they should ban football, and other contact sports—especially for children! Is it the kenneling and crating of dogs? If so, look out professional handlers, breeders, and even shelters. Is it making money with dogs? Again, look out pro-handlers, trainers, groomers, and veterinarians. If it’s not about gambling, and the amendment adamantly proclaims it is not, it is about dogs being used in entertainment, competition, or sport. It is about us.

Remember, the humane treatment of animals is already a fundamental value of many Floridians. Greyhounds fall under the same anti-cruelty laws that any breed does, if not more. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the National Greyhound Association have their own additional regulations, along with surprise inspections of kennels. Those who fail, or are found guilty of any animal cruelty or neglect, are barred from competition, sometimes for life, just like AKC does.

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Posted by Alex on Oct 23 2018. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.