Mischief Monday: Getting Serious About Greyhound Racing

Good morning, friends, and #MayThe4thBeWithYou!

On Mondays, I normally write about the mischief that my pug sister and I cause for our unassuming humans; but, today I am going to turn the tables.  For today's Mischief Monday post, I want to get a little serious and bring attention to some humans that are causing some mischief for greyhounds.  

Under Florida law, a facility may only host gambling if it also hosts racing.  This means that a facility may not offer slot machines, or other lucrative gambling options, unless it races animals.  Obviously, these facilities are inclined to race animals in order to gain permission to offer other forms of gambling.  I was first informed about this atrocity by the ASCPA, and as a Floridian, I am disgusted.  I am disgusted that humans are, once again, putting money and profit before the lives of fellow living creatures.  

Unfortunately, the Florida house adjourned without voting on whether to decouple this law.  Decoupling would essentially remove the racing requirement and significantly reduce the number of animals forced to endure the harsh life of racing.  

The lack of a vote on the decoupling measure is disappointing; however, there is progress being made.  Effective in July, Florida will join the majority and require the reporting of greyhound injuries.  While this is a step in the right direction, it is not enough.  The reporting of injuries is too little too late for many animals.  The racing and abuse must stop altogether.

All animals deserve respect and kindness.  It saddens me that humans are robbing these innocent animals of a full, and happy life.  I will certainly keep you updated with how you can help defeat these antiquated and abusive Florida laws.