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Dear Friends,

Last week, the Miami Herald went to print with research gathered by GREY2K USA Worldwide showing that Florida racing regulators had granted licenses to people convicted of a host of crimes, including racketeering, drug possession, running a prostitution ring, kidnapping, sexual assault and repeated acts of animal abuse. Read the story here.

According to state records, greyhound breeder and owner Julie Forsyth was allowed to race dogs in Florida even though she had been charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty in another state. In 2012, Pennsylvania officials raided her kennel and found sick and starving animals living in filth. She was charged with 100 violations of humane laws. We sent a letter to Florida officials upon her conviction, but Forsyth's license was not revoked until 2014.

Ironically, Ms. Forsyth sold one of her Florida dogs to kennel worker Lance LaFreniere, whose own dogs had tested positive for drugs.

James "Barney" O'Donnell has been charged nine times, reprimanded or fined, and is still licensed by the state. Earlier this year, we shared a story with you detailing charges against O'Donnell involving his dogs testing positive for steroids and another in which he has been accused of placing the signature of a dead veterinarian on vaccination forms.

Perhaps the most chilling new case is that of Osman Martinez, who was arrested in March 2009 when one of his dogs was found with an open wound. Dooley's neck was infected and investigators found blood and fluid oozing from his neck. Even though Mr. Martinez agreed to a plea deal and was supposed to surrender his license, somehow he was able to work with greyhounds for nearly four more years after his animal cruelty arrest – during which time he was fined again for a drug-positive dog.

Since the publication of this information, three lawmakers have issued a joint letter to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation demanding answers and proposing new hearings on these cases. Additionally, Pensacola News Journal has forcefully editorialized in favor of ending dog racing as has Miami Herald columnist Fred Grimm.

We will keep working to expose the cruelty of dog racing, until we reach the day when dog racing ends in Florida and worldwide. For the moment, you can keep informed about greyhound issues by consulting our news page anytime.

For the greyhounds,

Christine A. Dorchak, Esq. President GREY2K USA
Carey M. Theil Executive Director GREY2K USA

GREY2K USA Worldwide is a non-profit 501(c)4 advocacy organization located at 7 Central Street, Arlington, Massachusetts 02476. 100% of donations support our mission to end dog racing. We are grateful for personal and corporate contributions. Because GREY2K USA lobbies for greyhound legislation, contributions are not tax deductible.

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