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LETTER TO FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING

Nov 02, 2003 - Greyhound Protection League
greyhounds.org

November 2, 2003

Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering VIA FAX
850.488.0550
Attn: Roy Logan, Director of Operations

Dear Mr. Logan,

This letter contains additional information the Greyhound Protection League (GPL) has uncovered regarding the complaint faxed to you on November 2nd.

Personnel at Naples-Forte Meyers are reporting the following:

The veterinarian who was supposed to be on duty for the Saturday, November 2nd afternoon race card is Amy Bosecker. The sixth race and the reported severed leg incident occurred at approximately 1:45 PM. The seventh race and subsequent broken leg followed shortly thereafter. The greyhounds (and the leg) were removed from the track and taken to the vet's office. We are told that both dogs were still alive. Dr. Bosecker did not arrive at the track until sometime after 3 PM. She then euthanized both greyhounds.

In violation of pari-mutuel regulations requiring that a veterinarian be present at weigh-in and during the entire racing program, track management gave Dr. Bosecker permission to arrive at work several hours after the race-day was well under way.

Although a number of track employees and kennel personnel are very upset about the suffering endured by these dogs, the typical . . . and justifiable fear of retribution may be encountered during your investigation.

This is the second complaint GPL has filed within a year regarding the absence of veterinarians at Florida dog tracks and these are merely the situations that have come to our attention. In both cases, needless pain and suffering was endured by Florida racing dogs. It is becoming apparent that pari-mutuel licensees in the State of Florida feel that they can egregiously disregard rules and regulations without consequence.

Sincerely,

Susan Netboy, Greyhound Protection League

cc: Governor Jeb Bush

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