January 31, 2008

MIAMI-DADE, Fla. - A Florida county may allow slot machines at dog racing tracks. It's a change that would revitalize the dying industry; but opponents say it will perpetuate the needless breeding of greyhounds for racing.

Since 2000, the State of Florida has given $14.4 million in tax breaks to the dog racing industry. Now, concerned track owners are convinced; slots will save their businesses.

The Humane Society of the United States, which is fighting dog racing, recently donated $500,000 for an ad campaign in Florida against the sport.

They were hoping to ramp up support before last Tuesday's primaries, when Miami-Dade County residents voted on the slot machine referrendum.

But it could be an uphill battle for greyhounds. Half of the annual revenues from gaming goes to the state, meaning slots will bring in an estimated $26 million each year for education programs.

Opponents of the slots say that money won't change the fact that greyhounds are regularly` bred and discarded – and taxpayers will suffer the burden of shelters overcrowded with abandoned race dogs. There are some greyhound rescues supported by the tracks. Nontheless, there would be no need for them if racing didn't exist.

Since 1986, nearly 1 million greyhounds have been bred for racing.

Still, resurgence of the sport means jobs will be created. So adding slots feels like an economic win - unless of course, you're a greyhound.

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