ANIMAL RIGHTS FLORIDA: DON’T SUPPORT GREYHOUND ADOPTION

We’ve been saying for years that animal rights groups are not about greyhound welfare. Recently, a Florida animal rights group did something that proved our point. The incident was reported by local news channel WFTV in Orlando.

For the past two years, Lyman High School in Longwood Florida has held “Man vs. Greyhound” races at Sanford Orlando Kennel Club. The purpose of the event was to raise money to benefit greyhound adoption. The greyhound is Lyman High School’s mascot, so the students feel a personal attachment to the canine racers that symbolize their school spirit.

According to the WFTV report, it’s considered a “badge of honor” for graduating seniors to race the greyhounds for charity.

But this year, there will be no students vs. greyhound races. Under pressure from a local activist group, Animal Rights Florida (ARF), school board officials have forced Lyman to cancel the event. For students it’s a disappointment, but for those who work so hard to promote greyhound adoption, it’s a slap in the face.

“There’s nothing humane or compassionate about blocking greyhound adoption efforts,” said AGC Communications Coordinator Gary Guccione. “Animal rights groups like ARF raise money under the pretense that they are helping greyhounds, but the reality is the opposite.”

Greyhound adoption has become a national success story, with more than 95 percent of all registered greyhounds adopted or returned to the farm when their racing careers are over. “Animal rights groups do absolutely nothing to promote or support greyhound adoption,” Guccione said. “When it comes to programs that actually benefit greyhounds, groups like ARF are pretty much MIA–missing in action.”