BONITA BEACH, Fla. -- A group of protestors gathered in front of the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Race Track, Saturday, hoping to turn away crowds.
As the Ringling Brothers Circus closed it's doors permanently this week, a group of animal advocates part of the Grey2k organization want to see dog races go next. "We want to see the greyhound racing go the same way as the circus," said Chuck Danielien. "It's illegal in 39 states for a reason."
There are 20 active dog race tracks left in the United States and 12 of them are in Florida. One of them is the dog race track in Bonita Springs. The group has been trying to shut it down since 2008, or at least get some regulations in place. However, they have been unsuccessful. "Because of some special interest, someone throws in an amendment that's totally unacceptable to everybody and the bill is vetoed," said Danielien about past legislative attempts.
Families continue going to the track every weekend to watch races despite the groups' warnings. "They are in cages up to 23 hours a day. They constantly have numerous injuries like broken legs and sprains they do not receive any veterinary care for," said Taylor Miller. "They're given raw meat that is level 4D, so it's not good meat. They are often given a lot of drugs, even cocaine, to make them run faster."
Fox 4 went to ask those who work at the facility if the allegations are true, but were told no one was available to speak to us.
