TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - Two animal-rights groups have started putting their money behind a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban greyhound racing in Florida.
According to a newly filed finance report, the Humane Society of the United States and Grey2K USA Worldwide each contributed $100,000 in June to the Committee to Protect Dogs, a political committee backing Amendment 13 on the November ballot.
Grey2K also contributed $55,000 in May and has made in-kind contributions such as staff time.
In all, the Committee to Protect Dogs had raised more than $300,000.
Kate MacFall with the Humane Society of the Unites States says voter education will be key for passage of the proposed amendment.
“This is a humane issue. This is a measure to protect dogs, to protect greyhounds. Most people love dogs. They are members of our families. They are our best friends," said MacFall. "Once people know that this is a humane measure, we are confident voters will vote yes on 13.”
The state Constitution Revision Commission placed the proposed greyhound-racing ban on the November ballot.
But the Florida Greyhound Association, which includes greyhound owners and trainers, has filed a lawsuit in Leon County circuit court seeking to block the ballot measure.
The pending lawsuit contends that the ballot language is flawed.
To become law, Amendment 13 will need to support of more than 60 percent of Florida voters.
