To the Editor:
Did you know that over the past decade that there have been 419 drug positives in Florida greyhounds, including 70 cocaine-positives – all at our local dog tracks? Gentle hounds have also tested positive for muscle relaxants such as novocaine, lidocaine, an industrial solvent known as DMSO, and opiates like oxycodone and oxymorphone. In fact, drug positives spiked in 2017.
As one lawmaker put it, this is cheating and should not be countenanced. More than that, it is downright cruel and inhumane and must stop. Additionally, female greyhounds are routinely given anabolic steroids to prevent any loss of race days, a practice that harms animal welfare and also raises integrity concerns.
Please join me in supporting an end to this dubious enterprise. Dog racing is already illegal in 40 other states. Please Vote Yes on Amendment 13 on Nov. 6.
Tina Shapiro
Village of Piedmont
