Sarasota Says No to Dog Racing

This Saturday April 5,  Sarasota Animal Advocates will hold a peaceful protest at the Sarasota Kennel Club.   From 11:15 to 12:30 opponents of dog racing will make their statement by picketing the dog track.

Interest in dog racing over the last decade has dropped significantly with wagers diminishing by more than fifty one percent.  Tracks, however due to Florida legislation are required to run races.   A new bill HB 1145 before the Florida House will decouple racing from other wagering.

Farrel Hansen founder of Sarasota Animal Advocates is looking for strong support at this important event to protect dogs and and raise awareness for the cruelty of Greyhound racing.  

“Close to 100 dogs died just in the state of Florida last year,  8 of these dogs were euthanized right here in Sarasota after being injured in a race”.   “Given that Sarasota is known across the country as “dog-friendly”  having a dog track in our county is counter intuitive to the sentiments of the overwhelming majority of our residents” Hansen explained.   In addition to the Sarasota Animal Advocate group, members of Florida Voices for Animals and Grey2K will be in attendance.

The protesters will assemble at the Dog Track at the intersection of University Park Boulevard and Bradenton Road at 11:15 am, this Saturday, April 5th.  Signs will be provided.