Dog Racing

Republican and democrat lawmakers are joining forces to protect racing greyhounds from the use of harmful anabolic steroids. Senator Dana Young (R-Tampa) and Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) announced the filing of  SB 674 and HB 463 which bans the use of the drugs. The legislation also enacts penalties against dog trainers who continue using them. An identical measure, also sponsored by Rep. Smith, overwhelmingly passed the full Florida House of Representatives during the 2017 session.
Senator Young said, “Greyhounds are gentle dogs, and deserve to be protected. I’m proud to fight for this good bill, and am confident we can pass it this year.” Rep. Smith added, “I will not give up on our bipartisan work to protect racing greyhounds from harmful anabolic steroids. We passed the bill in the House last session and are ready to do it again in 2018. These beautiful dogs are depending on us!”
Female racing greyhounds are routinely administered anabolic steroids to disrupt the process of estrus. This abusive practice prevents the loss of race days and increases profitability for the industry by ensuring females can continue to race alongside male greyhounds. Anabolic steroids push greyhounds beyond their natural limits, cause severe bodily harm, and can also have the effect of improperly doping greyhounds before races.
Currently, twelve of the eighteen greyhound tracks still operating in the United States are located in Florida. Our state’s dog racing industry faced renewed scrutiny in July, after twenty-two greyhounds tested positive for cocaine in Florida. The use of anabolic steroids in dog racing has been outlawed in many other jurisdictions, including Australia, Great Britain and New Zealand.
To read the bills Senator Young has filed in full, please visit FLSenate.gov/Senators/S18.