Florida banned greyhound racing. What happens to the dogs now?

[Eugene]

Source: Washington Post

Florida banned greyhound racing. What happens to the dogs now?

By Kim Kavin November 16 at 7:00 AM

One week after Florida voters overwhelmingly chose to ban greyhound racing — eliminating 11 of America’s 17 remaining dog tracks by the end of 2020 — new battle lines are being drawn over who will eventually handle adoptions for the dogs that are now coming up through breeding and training kennels.

If the racing industry and its supporters have their way, it won’t be anybody who convinced Floridians that the dogs needed saving in the first place. The National Greyhound Association, which registers all racing greyhounds and fought the ban, says it will shun any rescue groups that worked to end the sport in the Sunshine State.

“We had over 100 adoption groups that helped support us throughout this ordeal in Florida,” said Jim Gartland, executive director of the association, which argues that racing is not bad for dogs. “They are all what we call responsible, endorsed adoption groups — and those are the groups, being led by Greyhound Pets of America, that we will be working with to place these dogs.”

The battle for access to what could be as many as 7,000 greyhounds — some of which may end up racing in other states where it is legal — is reflective of a bigger divide that shapes animal welfare politics.

On one side are people who say they stand for improving animal industry welfare practices while acknowledging that the industry will continue to exist. Such groups become bedfellows with the industry, if reluctantly so, because it serves as a source of adoptable dogs. In the area of commercial breeding, for example, some groups that call themselves “puppy mill rescues” buy dogs from the breeders they decry. In the area of greyhound racing, most adoption groups that opposed Florida’s ban have supported or stood neutral on racing.

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Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2018/11/16/florida-banned-greyhound-racing-now-what-happens-dogs/

[hlthe2b]

1. Hopefully there will be enough rescuers (with cat-free homes) to take them...

They make a really great dog for runners, that is for sure.

[Docreed2003]

4. They are awesome dogs

And not all are problems for cats, that prey drive is a very individual dog trait and many greys do well with cats. They run fast and need fenced in yards, but for the majority of the day they are closer to cats than other dogs, lol. See below, but we're bringing in a foster tomorrow from Florida

[hlthe2b]

5. Agree not all have an issue with cats, but given how they are trained on the track, best to be aware

Unfortunately, I've seen the unwitting results when new adoptive owners were not counseled to go slowly with the introduction.


Good on you for your adoption!

[Docreed2003]

6. I didn't say adoption did I, lol

We have a big, black doofy grey that we adopted just over a year ago. We're currently planning fostering, although I think dad may be outvoted and we may add to our grey count. Lol


I would stress to anyone considering bringing a grey home from the track that it takes extreme patience and training. These are dogs who likely have never seen stairs or glass doors or anything "normal" in a house and they have to learn. Cats and smaller dogs can be a challenge. For example, our boy could care less about chasing cats or other dogs but he does like to run after birds. Many of the dogs do have a strong prey drive and that can be a severe challenge.

[flyingfysh]

2. Greyhounds actually make very good pets

They are calm, sedate dogs. There are several (mostly retired racers) in my neighborhood.

[dewsgirl]

8. I had a neighbor that had 3 retied greyhounds. Very sweet dogs.

[Docreed2003]

3. We're picking up a Florida foster tomorrow

Greyhounds are incredible pets and I can't recommend them enough. I'd be happy to answer any question to the best of my ability, but I'd strongly recommend reaching out to your local rescue group.

[BigmanPigman]

7. My vet in San Diego has been actively rescuing them for

over 15 years. After the election I called her office to see if they were aware of it. Duh..of course they were. That breed is so sweet...they wish they could fit on the sofa like all dogs do.

[Doreen]

9. There are a lot of Greyhound rescues.

At least in Washinton state. If you want a large lap dog they will keep it warm.