TAMPA, Nov. 6, 2018—The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society Legislative Fund and Doris Day Animal League are celebrating a tremendous victory in the campaign to end greyhound racing in Florida with the passage of Amendment 13.
“Because of the decisions of millions of Florida voters, thousands of dogs will be spared the pain and suffering that is inherent in the greyhound racing industry,” said Kitty Block, acting president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. “We are so grateful to the volunteers, campaign members, coalition partners, contributors and endorsers who came together in support of this historic effort to end the cruelty of greyhound racing.”
Florida is home to 11 of the remaining 17 greyhound racing tracks in the country. The groups hope that passage of Amendment 13 sounds the death knell for an industry that is responsible for inflicting pain, suffering and death on thousands of gentle greyhound dogs.
“The passage of Amendment 13 demonstrates that voters support animal protection laws and that they will see through the smokescreens and untruths of opponents who make last ditch efforts to confuse and misdirect,” said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. Amundson is also the executive director of the Doris Day Animal League, which made a $1.6 million contribution to Protect Dogs-Yes on 13 campaign the group that led the campaign to pass Amendment 13.
“The campaign team poured their hearts into this effort and it’s so gratifying to know their hard work has paid off,” said Kate MacFall, Florida state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “Greyhounds are sweet and loyal companions and the phase-out of this industry provides an incredible opportunity for thousands of these gentle dogs to find loving homes.”
For additional insights about this victory for greyhounds and a farm animal protection initiative in California, visit Kitty Block’s blog.