When Florida senators start the annual legislative session March 3, one of the first issues they will take up is a bill that would require reports to be filed with the state about injuries to racing greyhounds. The Senate has put the measure (SB 2), filed by Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, atop a list of bills slated to be considered during the first day of session.
The bill has been dubbed the “Victoria Q. Gaetz Racing Greyhound Protection Act,” after animal-rights supporter Vicky Gaetz, the wife of Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville. Don Gaetz finished a two-year term as Senate president in November.
Under the proposal, injuries to racing greyhounds would have to be reported to the state Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering within seven days by track veterinarians or owners, trainers or kennel operators, depending on where the injuries occur. The Senate Fiscal Policy Committee voted 9-1 on Thursday to approve the bill, with Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, the only dissenter.