Greyhound injury bill on fast track

THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

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.