The battle to end greyhound racing in Florida is heating up.
Supporters of Protect Dogs- Yes On 13, kicked off campaigns Monday, hoping to encourage voters to vote yes in November.
Don Goldstein, with Greyhound Rescue & Adoption of Tampa Bay, has rescued dozens of greyhounds.
He has several as pets.
“Floridians, their dogs are pets. That’s what these dogs should be, as pets, not kept in cages,” he said.
He is one of thousands that want greyhound racing banned in the state.
“Using the animals for entertainment for any kind, we don’t agree with. In particular with the greyhounds, because of racing, as a direct result of racing, one greyhound dies every three days in the state of Florida,” said Goldstein.
“Even if they’re not dying or being injured on the racetrack, they live in cages, 2 by 3 feet, by 32 inches, 20 to 23 hours a day.”
The hot button issue is on the November ballot.
Supporters of Protect Dogs-Yes on 13 kicked off a campaign at the Humane Society Monday morning.
An ad released across the state shows graphic video of dogs falling and injuring themselves.
There’s also video of dogs crammed in cages.
Florida Senator Dana Young said the ban is long over due.
“Now finally we can say that no more, after this amendment passes, no more will these dogs have to run around a track with no one watching,” said Young.
Those who oppose the amendment said the ad is misleading and have filed a lawsuit to remove the amendment from the ballot.
“We exercise the dogs all week. We give them all the proper food. We give them the proper care. We especially give them the proper love,” said Jack Cory, with the Florida Greyhound Association.
A court hearing has yet to be filed.