Ban Gambling on Dog Races

Introduction

Unfortunately, gambling on greyhound races is still going on today. However, 40 U.S. states have already banned it. The co-founder of Grey2K USA, Carey Theil, stated, “Every three days, a greyhound dies at a Florida dog track” (Theil, n.d.). Voting yes on Florida Amendment 13 would end the abuse and cruelty of greyhound racing. The dogs suffer a plethora of injuries both on and off the track, endure horrible living conditions, and are often given drugs to enhance their performance, ultimately benefiting their trainers financially.

Injuries and Health Risks

Dogs sustain many injuries, and sometimes die, due to the rigorous demands of racing. The most common injuries reported include broken legs, broken backs, head trauma, and electrocution. Evidence suggests that racing in extreme weather conditions contributes significantly to these injuries. According to USA Worldwide, a greyhound named KB’s Greer, who raced at Florida’s Pensacola Greyhound Track in May 2014, had to be euthanized due to heat exhaustion, with its organs beginning to shut down (USA Worldwide, 2014). Racing in such conditions can severely damage their bodies. In addition to heat exhaustion and organ failure, racing in the rain can make the track slippery, increasing the risk of sprains and broken bones.

Comparison with Other Working Animals

The Committee to Protect Greyhounds, a pro-racing organization, compares racing greyhounds to “many working breeds” such as “Labrador Retrievers used for hunting, sled dogs in racing, horses in show jumping, and dogs and sheep in agility tests” (Committee to Protect Greyhounds, n.d.). They claim that these animals are kept happy, healthy, and in top condition by participating in activities they were bred to do. However, it is crucial to recognize that racing or hunting isn't inherently their “job.” Greyhounds are primarily raced for gambling, providing financial gain for their trainers. Numerous factors contribute to the pain and suffering these greyhounds endure.

Living Conditions

The dogs are often confined in kennels with stacked cages for up to 20-23 hours a day, with most locations lacking heating or air conditioning. The Florida Greyhound Association argues that “everything from the size of the crate, the quantity and quality of food, the amount of veterinary care to the amount of walking, exercise, and playtime is closely monitored” (Florida Greyhound Association, n.d.). Nevertheless, reports describe racing dogs' living facilities as compounds with warehouse-style kennels and rows of stacked metal cages. Their only bit of “comfort” might be shredded paper or carpet remnants used as bedding. Most places may only allow them out for an hour or two, and there have been cases where some cages are barely big enough for the greyhounds to turn around or even stand up. According to Protect Dogs Yes on 13, state records indicate that dog track cages measure 36 inches by 36 inches by 42 inches (Protect Dogs Yes on 13, n.d.). Confinement for extended periods deprives dogs of the exercise and nutrition they need, leading to antisocial, hostile, and aggressive behavior towards humans.

Drug Use and Its Consequences

Greyhounds are often administered drugs to enhance their performance, and female greyhounds may receive anabolic steroids to prevent them from going into heat and losing racing days. A. J. Grant, a trainer from the Sanford-Orlando Kennel Club, remarked, “You can’t be unhealthy and run around a track in half a minute” (Grant, n.d.). According to Grey2K USA Worldwide, steroids can cause severe side effects such as “increased aggression, resulting in fighting during trial and racing,” “increased weight due to water retention,” “occasional loss of vigor,” and “virilization” in females, which is the development of male physical characteristics (Grey2K USA Worldwide, n.d.). Drugging the dogs gives owners or trainers an unfair advantage in gambling by controlling how their dogs perform on the track. There have even been instances where cocaine was found at greyhound racetracks. Companies and organizations dismiss these allegations as false, despite numerous reported incidents. Grey2K USA, which has several reports from Florida racetracks alone, noted that at Orange Park Kennel Club, trainer Charles F. McClellan was charged with eighteen greyhound cocaine positive infractions, six of which belonged to the same dog, leading to his suspension (Grey2K USA, n.d.). Carey Theil of Grey2K reported that cocaine use resulted in “heart attacks” and, in some female dogs, “serious hormonal imbalances and genital deformities” (Theil, n.d.). Cocaine is toxic to dogs if ingested or inhaled, leading to illness or death, risking their health despite financial gains for owners or trainers.

Conclusion

Today, these races cause wasteful and needless suffering to the dogs, reducing them to a form of entertainment. The races harm not only their bodies but also their personalities and behaviors, as they are subjected to various injuries, terrible living conditions, and performance-enhancing drugs. By voting yes on Florida Amendment 13, gambling on dog races will end, and more dogs' lives will be saved.