Dear Greyhound Friends,

Did you know that the dog tracks in the Sunshine State are required to offer live racing throughout the year in order to keep their licenses? That’s right, Derby Lane, Palm Beach Kennel Club and all 13 operating facilities in Florida MUST RACE DOGS in order to offer other, more lucrative forms of gambling.

But this is something we are working to change.

See last night’s coverage on Channel 4’s I Team now.

A new bill supported by both greyhound advocates and track owners themselves will “decouple” live racing in the law and allow tracks to wind down this cruel activity. This will save the tracks money and of course, save the greyhounds!

Since 1990, the amount wagered on live racing has declined 69% and the amount of taxes paid to the state has decreased 97%. Meanwhile, greyhounds continue to suffer and die while racing. When not at the track, these gentle friends are kept confined in small cages which are barely large enough for them to stand up and turn around. This cruelty must end!

Executive Director Carey Theil will be in Florida for the entire legislative session to push hard for the greyhounds this year. Please join him on humane lobby day in April to speak for the greyhounds!

Here’s how you can help right now:

• If you live in Florida, please call your state lawmakers and ask them to vote to end dog racing. (We will have a bill number once the session begins in March). A personal contact from a constituent is something they will remember! And if you need help identifying your state lawmakers, go to here.
• No matter where you live, send an e-mail to Governor Rick Scott and ask him to support an end to dog racing.
• Join our Gracie Club and become a monthly donor to support GREY2K USA’s campaign in Florida and nationwide.
• Share this e-mail with everyone you know who cares about greyhounds! Use the Forward button at the end of this e-mail.

We are closer than ever to ending the cruelty of dog racing in the Sunshine State! Let’s work together to help thousands of greyhounds this year.

Christine