Want a greyhound? 6000 will need homes now that Florida voted to outlaw racing

[Demovictory9]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2018/11/08/greyhound-racing-ban-florida-means-thousands-dogs-will-need-new-homes/?utm_term=.b9e362095e54



Trainers and racetrack workers are among those who will be put out of work by the decision, but greyhound racing has long been criticized for reported abuse of dogs, who are often neglected and subjected to cruel conditions. Now, the task for advocacy organizations and adoption groups is to find homes for the dogs, most of whom race until they around 2 years old.

Adopt-a-Greyhound.org points out that the dogs can make great pets. Trained to chase lures that most often are mechanical, the racing dogs are neither vicious nor predatory. They are sociable and accustomed to being around people because they’ve been handled by trainers, veterinarians and dog walkers as well as children.

[HopeAgain]

1. I've had three Greys as family members

I can vouch that they are loving, quiet and mostly just big couch potatos (except when they run). I would get another, but we have already downsized to a place where we can't have one.

[A HERETIC I AM]

10. Everyone I have ever met that had one, echoes your comments.

Big, sweet, lovable couch potatoes that when motivated, can sprint 40 miles per hour!

I voted for the ban, as well. I'd love to have one. I'll have to look into the adoption process.

[Awsi Dooger]

2. Born and bred to race, but now we won't allow them to race anymore

Sheer brilliance. People who are looking for dogs will hardly make greyhounds their first choice. Nor their second or fifth choice.

Not to mention the job loss, as mentioned in that Post article.

Sheer brilliance everywhere. We heard some reports of cruelty, so let's ignore all areas of situational influence and shut it down.

I have a friend who is crushed by this move, after racing greyhounds within the family for 30+ years. I finally sent him a email last night. He responded very briefly, saying he was devastated and has no idea what he will do. He wrote that it would take some time, but that he would call me next week.

I have zero respect for anyone who thought this was a good idea.

[Goodheart]

5. And you have zero compassion for the dogs, apparently.

This was MORE than a good idea, and I much prefer the well-being of the dogs over your respect.

[Goodheart]

6. And about that "job loss"

People who were spending entertainment dollars on dog races will spend those elsewhere. Net job loss to the economy: ZERO.

[Doremus]

9. Internet is full of videos of greyhounds being crushed to death in track equipment, breaking limbs

and other race calamities, no different than horses. It's simply not fair to force sentient beings to take part in activities that could injure, disfigure or kill them simply for human fun and profit.

It's true retired racers have a yearning to run but there are such things as back yards and dog parks, more fun and much less dangerous. Also, greyhound groups often sponsor "lure coursing," which allows their dogs to chase the 'rabbit' in a safe, no-pressure environment.

As the mom to 2 retired racers (Dasher and Prancer, no longer with us, would be in their late 20s now), I'm thrilled Floridians have given these sweet dogs this beautiful gift.

[A HERETIC I AM]

11. Well, I voted against it, and I have been a Floridian on and off for 53 years.

I'm sorry your friend is staring at the demise of a long term family business. It sucks and I get that. But this fate is no different than the demise of the Livery Stable business or the Blacksmith on every main street or any number of other industries and business lines that fell into obsolescence.

It was inevitable.

The tracks don't get any of the attendance they used to, not by a long shot. There is no hype or buzz about Dog Racing in this state: There is no "Kentucky Derby" equivalent and people just don't want to bother going to the tracks.

I pass by several on a regular basis and they ALWAYS have empty parking lots.

This ain't the 60's anymore. Greyhound racing is going the way of Jai Alai in this state.

No where.

[recovering_democrat]

13. Gambling

Now will clean up financially but NOT tax money, and NOT clients.

Poker rooms and other gambling at tracks also gone with the wind.

I have been there plenty of times. Great treatment of animals all I have ever seen.

PS I voted against it too.

[HopeAgain]

12. I have zero respect for the tracks and

For the racing industry that dumped the female off at the rescue agnecy with a broken hock that had been allowed to heal improperly without a cast. That we adopted and eventually had to put down after years of a degenrating back due to that lack of medical care. That was skitterish and compulsive as a result of the mistreatment. That the tracks threatened the adoption agency to not to say anything if they wanted to rescue more dogs.

Many many racing dogs are mistreated and thousands are quietly euthanized if they don't turn out to be good racers.

Your post is bullshit, I have personal experiences that says so.

[melman]

15. Bullshit

Job loss? It's animal torture. Fuck their jobs.

[backtoblue]

3. Meanwhile, in Arkansas...

A constitutional amendment passes to make casinos,horse races, and dog races MANDATORY in certain counties.

17 % of the tax money goes directly into a purse for training of dogs and horses.

Interesting timing.

[UniteFightBack]

4. Good Riddance to a cruel and dying "industry" or is it a "sport"??? Yeah exactly. nt

[Hermit-The-Prog]

7. 1st picture: dog needs hug and a biscuit

Send that one here. He or she can chase rabbits, squirrels, deer, mice, and grasshoppers or just lay around in the sun.

[kskiska]

8. Just make sure to keep them in a secure environment.

Once Greys get loose, they don't look back. They're very difficult to catch once they're on the loose.

[Green Line]

14. Great pets

I adopted my girl when she was 5 off the racetrack. She was a wonderful, calm couch potato. One of the best dogs I ever had, would get another one if I could.