Florida has decided to vote against the legalization of greyhound racing in the state. Amendment 13 has been called by the Committee to Protect Dogs; approved by 67% of voters, the new law will be able to ban this racing industry. With eleven out of the seventeen active dog tracks in the United States being held in Florida, the industry will be prohibited in the state as soon as 2021. “Because of the decisions of millions of Florida voters, thousands of dogs will be spared the pain and suffering that is inherent in the greyhound racing industry,” stated Kitty Block, president CEO of the Humane Society of the United States to the Orlando Sentinal.

The races have been known to put animals in unsafe situations. This includes health, wellness, and environment. “You can’t be unhealthy and run a track in half a minute,” says A.J Grant, a trainer in Orlando. Races and tracks have also been accused of drugging the animals in hopes for better performance. Unsafe conditions lead to deaths caused by broken necks, heart attacks, or even electrocution from the lures that lead the dogs around the track.

Animal rights activists and organizations, including Grey2KUSA, have gone against greyhound racing supporters, such as NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer. The organizations have raised up to $2.4 million dollars, in contrast to the opponents $24,000 supporting the races. The spread of support has led to many states banning the sport, with only a few that currently have it legal.

Now powers are relying on greyhound adoption centers to find homes for the 4,000 dogs in need of homes.