Greyhound deaths and Florida’s racing industry
Posted on Sunday, 02.16.14
Greyhound deaths and Floridas racing industry
By Mary Ellen Klas
Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau
TALLAHASSEE -- Penrose Jake, a fawn-colored greyhound, was known for being tight on the rail with an explosive finish. But after starting strong in the 550-yard race at the Orange Park Kennel Club last August, the dog faded, slammed into another dog, and finished last.
Within hours, 3-year-old Penrose Jake was pronounced dead. He had run a career 127 races, 42 of them in his last year. The official death report said he died after the eighth race of the Jacksonville tracks evening lineup on Aug. 21, 2013. A race video recorded his final competition. No other information was provided.
The death of a greyhound like Penrose Jake would have normally gone unreported in Florida. But track operators are now required to notify the state within 18 hours of a greyhounds death at a track or racing kennel in Florida. Approved by lawmakers in 2010, the rules didnt take effect until last spring more than 80 years after dog racing became legal in Florida a testament to the greyhound racing industrys power and influence in Tallahassee.
Unlike other states, Floridas greyhound industry does not have to report injuries. And, although some death reports provide detailed information, many do not. Among the deaths:
WS Mellow Yellow, a 2-year-old, died July 15 while being hauled from Alabama to the Sanford Orlando Kennel Club.
More:
http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/15/3938903/greyhound-deaths-and-floridas.html#storylink=cpy
Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)our first greyhound from a rescue group...she was a gentle soul, but they all are..and as a breed..incredible.
You need to be able to have the room for them to run, or at the very least, an area where they
can safely run in order to be considered appropriate for adoption. That was one requirement from
our rescue group anyway. We have ample room and fenced in a large area for a circular run..they
will stun you by their speed..their feet do not seem to stay on the ground, lol.
Once inside, they are completely different..she thought she was a lap dog. How she would manage
to pull her legs underneath her to snuggle up on the couch..I will never know, lol.
Our beloved Hattie was with us for many years.
If you can, adopt one, you will not regret it.
newfie11
(8,159 posts)That is such a very sweet breed.
They deserve more protection.