06 May 2004

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by Anai Rhoads

AnaiRhoads.org - The Thursday morning edition of the Tampa Tribune exposed a disturbing trend among those who own sporting greyhounds.

According to the report, more than 119 racing greyhounds tested positive for cocaine over a three-year period.

National Greyhound Association President Chuck Marriott suggested that the trainers may be indirectly responsible. Marriott thinks the dogs may have tested positive after the owner stroked the animal while having a residual amount of the drug on their hands. Other officials agree with Marriott, stating that the positive cocaine tests are most likely the result of "incidental contact," rather than a purposeful intent to harm the animals or to throw races.

"This is a shocking development," said GREY2K USA President Carey Theil. "Dozens of trainers are handling dogs while under the influence of serious narcotics like cocaine."

State Sen. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Broward County) is not pleased with the theory of human transference, calling it "ridiculous" and plans to look into the matter further.

Currently, the state Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering does not alert authorities when an animal tests positive for drugs, nor does it question how the drug was transmitted to the animal.

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