Interest In Dog Racing Has Been Collared In US

MIAMI (AP) — Greyhound racing used to be a popular sport in the United States, but in recent years it has fallen out of favor with gamblers and aficionados.

A bill to end mandatory racing in Florida failed to pass in the most recent legislative session, but proponents hope to revive the plan next year.

If approved, the bill could sound the death knell for the sport. Track owners would be able to operate their much more lucrative poker rooms and slot machines, and get rid of the dogs.

Up until the 1980s, the sport drew thousands in Florida, home to 12 out of 21 tracks nationwide. Now, only a few dozen male retirees and tourists, who show up out of curiosity, sit in the stands on a good day.