Omar Bennett
Amendment 13, also known as the Ban on Wagering on Dog Races Amendment, was added to the Florida Constitution in 2018. The amendment was designed to prohibit pari-mutuel betting on dog races, specifically greyhound racing, and prevent the inhumane treatment of animals. While supporters of the amendment celebrated the end of a brutal sport, critics argued that it was a Trojan Horse amendment pushed by extreme activists with hidden agendas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ban on Wagering on Dog Races Amendment |
| Year | 2018 |
| Purpose | Prohibit pari-mutuel (a type of betting pool) operations from racing greyhounds or any other dogs for wagering |
| Supporters | Protect Dogs (Yes on 13), Committee to Protect Greyhounds, The Sun Sentinel, Naples Daily News |
| Opponents | Dr. Liz Steele, Matthew H Haynie, Sunshine State News |
| Previous Amendment | The Florida Animal Cruelty Amendment, also known as Amendment 10 |
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What You'll Learn
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission
In the case of Amendment 13, the CRC voted 27-10 to place it on the ballot for the 2018 election. This amendment was designed to prohibit pari-mutuel (a type of betting pool) operations from racing greyhounds or any other dogs for wagering beginning on January 1, 2021. It also prohibited people in Florida from wagering on the outcome of live dog races occurring in the state.
Amendment 13 added a new section to Article X and a new section to Article XII of the Florida Constitution. The following text was added:
> "Prohibition on racing of and wagering on greyhounds or other dogs.—The humane treatment of animals is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida. After December 31, 2020, a person authorized to conduct gaming or pari-mutuel operations may not race greyhounds or any member of the Canis Familiaris subspecies in connection with any wager for money or any other thing of value in this state, and persons in this state may not wager money or any other thing of value on the outcome of a live dog race occurring in this state. The failure to conduct greyhound racing or wagering on greyhound racing after December 31, 2018, does not constitute grounds to revoke or deny renewal of other related gaming licenses held by a person who is a licensed greyhound permitholder on January 1, 20."
The chief objection to Amendment 13 was that such an issue did not belong in the Constitution. However, supporters argued that the amendment was necessary because the potent lobby for breeders and handlers consistently blocked the Legislature from outlawing this "brutal sport."
It is worth noting that Amendment 13 is not the first animal-related amendment to the Florida Constitution. In 2002, Amendment 10 was approved, adding Article X, Section 19, to prevent the confinement of pigs during pregnancy.
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The amendment's supporters
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC), a 37-member commission that meets every 20 years to propose changes to the Florida Constitution, voted 27-10 to place Amendment 13 on the ballot for the 2018 election. Two committees supported Amendment 13: Protect Dogs (Yes on 13) and the Committee to Protect Greyhounds. These committees reported a combined total of $3.82 million in contributions.
The amendment was designed to prohibit pari-mutuel (a type of betting pool) operations from racing greyhounds or any other dogs for wagering beginning on January 1, 2021, and to prohibit persons in the state from wagering on the outcome of live dog races occurring in the state. It added a new section to Article X and Article XII of the Florida Constitution.
Supporters of Amendment 13 believed that it would help to end animal cruelty and that the state shouldn't force a business to operate in ways that have proven unprofitable. They also believed that the amendment would help to protect the humane treatment of animals, which is a fundamental value of the people of Florida.
Amendment 13 was also supported by animal rights activists who have passed measures through Congress and state regulations. These activists have said they are on a mission to end hunting and remove meat, dairy, and eggs from people's diets.
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The amendment's critics
The critics of Amendment 13, which aimed to end dog racing in Florida, included the Florida Greyhound Association. The association sued, seeking to remove the amendment from the ballot, arguing that the measure misled voters. A Leon County judge ruled in their favour, stating that the amendment should be removed from the ballot. However, the state appealed the decision to the state Supreme Court, which reversed the ruling and ordered the amendment to remain on the ballot.
Animal rights advocates were also critical of commercial dog racing, asserting that the practice was inhumane. They welcomed the amendment, which aimed to end dog racing involving wagering by 2020. There were about a dozen tracks in Florida at the time, and the practice had drawn widespread criticism from animal rights groups.
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The amendment's impact on animal agriculture
Amendment 13 to the Florida Constitution, also known as the Ban on Wagering on Dog Races Amendment, was approved in 2018. The amendment added a new section to Article X and Article XII of the Florida Constitution, effectively banning greyhound racing in Florida by prohibiting wagering on the dogs. While the amendment was characterized as an amendment to end wagering on greyhound races, some saw it as a “Trojan horse" amendment with a hidden agenda.
The amendment states that "the humane treatment of animals is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida." This vague declaration, according to critics, could be exploited by activist groups to bring lawsuits against family farms, equine enthusiasts, and sportsmen. They argue that the amendment's impact could extend beyond dog racing and potentially affect other areas of animal agriculture, such as hunting and fishing.
Proponents of Amendment 13, such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), argue that it is necessary to protect animals from inhumane treatment. They oppose various activities involving animals, including hunting, fishing, farming, and animal husbandry. Critics, however, fear that the amendment will be used as a legal foothold to challenge legitimate ownership and activities involving pets, domestic animals, and wildlife. They worry that the vague language of the amendment will allow activist groups to interpret and enforce it broadly, potentially threatening family farms and businesses.
The impact of Amendment 13 on animal agriculture in Florida is a subject of debate. While the amendment's primary focus is on greyhound racing and wagering, its vague language and potential for interpretation leave room for future legal challenges and changes in other areas of animal agriculture. The amendment's supporters argue that it is necessary to uphold animal welfare standards, while critics worry about potential negative economic consequences and overreach by activist groups. The amendment has highlighted the tension between animal welfare concerns and the interests of those involved in animal-related industries in Florida.
In conclusion, Amendment 13 to the Florida Constitution has direct implications for greyhound racing and wagering, but its impact on other areas of animal agriculture is less clear and remains a subject of contention. The amendment's vague language regarding the humane treatment of animals has sparked concerns about potential overreach and unintended consequences for family farms, businesses, and activities such as hunting and fishing. The future impact of Amendment 13 will depend on how it is interpreted and enforced, with the potential for legal challenges and further amendments to clarify its scope.
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The amendment's impact on dog racing
Florida Amendment 13, also known as the Ban on Wagering on Dog Races Amendment, was approved on November 6, 2018, and came into effect on January 1, 2021. The amendment prohibits pari-mutuel operations from racing greyhounds or any other dogs for wagering. It also disallows people in Florida from betting on the outcome of live dog races occurring in the state.
The amendment was proposed by the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC), a unique 37-member commission that meets every 20 years to suggest changes to the Florida Constitution. The commission voted 27-10 to place Amendment 13 on the ballot for the election. Republicans, including legislative leaders and Governor Rick Scott, appointed 33 of the commissioners, while Attorney General Pam Bondi (R) also served on the commission. The remaining three members were appointed by Jorge Labarga, chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
Amendment 13 was designed to address concerns about the humane treatment of animals, with supporters, including animal rights groups, arguing that dogs at Florida's 11 tracks were often locked in crates for up to 23 hours a day and suffered abuse and injuries. The amendment prohibits the racing of greyhounds or any member of the Canis Familiaris subspecies in connection with any wager for money or any other thing of value in the state of Florida. It also disallows people in the state from wagering on the outcome of live dog races occurring within the state.
The impact of Amendment 13 on dog racing in Florida has been significant. Florida was the first state to legalize betting on greyhound racing in 1931, and the sport had a significant presence in the state, with 11 of the remaining 17 tracks in the country located there. With the passage of Amendment 13, greyhound racing and wagering on greyhound racing were banned in the state, and civil or criminal penalties were authorized for violations. The amendment also allowed greyhound tracks to keep more profitable side businesses, such as poker rooms and accepting wagers on horse racing simulcasts.
The amendment faced legal challenges from those in the dog racing industry, who argued that it was an unconstitutional taking of property without compensation. However, these lawsuits were dismissed by judges who upheld the state's authority to prohibit certain uses of property to protect the health, morals, or safety of the community.
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Frequently asked questions
Animal rights activists were behind Amendment 13 to the Florida Constitution.
Amendment 13 to the Florida Constitution, also known as the Ban on Wagering on Dog Races Amendment, was designed to prohibit pari-mutuel operations from racing greyhounds or any other dogs for wagering. It also prohibited people in Florida from betting on the outcome of live dog races occurring in the state.
The purpose of Amendment 13 was to prevent cruelty to animals, specifically greyhound racing, by prohibiting wagering on dog races.
Amendment 13 was passed in 2018 and went into effect on January 1, 2021.
