Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Dog Track in Bonita Springs (camp, to live)

[Chicken Wing]

Anyone go?

How is it?

How's the poker room?

[justNancy]

I live about a mile from the dog track. They should have shut it down after the fire, when all those helpless dogs died. The conditions in which they're forced to live are disgusting. Dog racing is banned in many states, because it's one of the cruelest "sports" in which animals run around a track in blazing heat, suffer numerous injuries, and are confined in small cages & muzzled, so humans can bet on them.

[roughrider10]

I share your sentiments, 'Just Nancy'. Greyhound Racing is either 'illegal' or has never been made legal in 35 states, Massachussetts being the most recent. There are 31 tracks still operating in 10 states. It is an exceedingly cruel and abusive industry, in which the dogs are often injured while racing, and are killed when they are no longer profitable and can't be adopted. Every year thousands of dogs are killed because they can no longer run fast enough. They daily face cruel treatment and neglect, often with sparse veterinary care. They are forced to perform all year, even on the hottest summer days. They are caged for up to 22 hours per day and fed the cheapest meat possible. Thousands are seriously injured while competing; these injuries include bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, seizures and death from cardiac arrest. Thousands of puppies are specially bred just to race. Dogs, which do not show ability while training, are killed. The lucky few, are adopted out. But there’s a down side to that too - every time a racing greyhound is rescued and adopted, some other companion animal in a pound or shelter is not. Using animals for entertainment is wrong. It is just plain cruel, inhumane and should be against the law. There are other outlets for gambling that don't exploit animals. How many more have to suffer and die before the laws will be changed and the animals set free? Consider the horrific conditions these poor animals must endure for a lifetime - however short it may be and then ask yourself “do I really want to perpetuate this cruel and inhumane practice by supporting this track in Bonita".

[kroeran]

I have been to the poker room. Well organized and 40s utilitarian decor. There is a bit of a sleazy back alley Vegas feeling to the place that for me heightens the camp experience. The least weathered looking waitress walks around offering neck rubs for $5 bucks or whatever. You can't make this stuff up!

I would be unhappy to find out that the poker room enabled the dog racing in any way.

[roughrider10]

Kroeran, current legislation requires that a minimum number of live races be run in order to operate the simulcast wagering, cardrooms and slot machines. So yes, Kroeran, in order to maintain your poker room, the dogs must race. New legislation, however, has been introduced, HB 1437 and S 2594, which would allow for the simulcast wagering, cardrooms and slot machines, without also running greyhounds. You could contact Senator Don Gaetz mailto:gaetz.don.web@flsenate.gov and Representative Mike Horner and thank them for sponsoring this humane legislation.

[kroeran]

can you provide an update on this new legislation?

[chiluvr1228]

Really curious why PETA hasn't expanded their efforts to this dog track.

[Ron61]

Never understood why anyone would think dog racing is sport. To each his own and all that,but it's the dogs that suffer the consequences.

[Samiamnh]

Went to a boat show there and wasn't too impressed....everything is in need of repair

[chiluvr1228]

I'm not in favor of any "sport" that involves exploiting animals whether it's horse racing, greyhound racing, bull fighting, etc.