Pubdate: Mon, 10 May 2004 Source: Tampa Tribune (FL) Copyright: 2004, The Tribune Co. Contact: http://www.tampatrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446 Author: David J. Roberts Note: Limit LTEs to 150 words Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n689/a06.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) TESTING OF GREYHOUNDS REVEALS LOW EXPOSURE TO COCAINE This letter is in response to Alan Snel's article ``Drugs Taint Integrity Of Greyhound Racing'' (Nation/World, May 3). Snel's article leaves the impression that illicit drug use in racing greyhounds is running rampant with no control or corrective processes in place - a gross misrepresentation of the state's regulation of the greyhound racing industry. A finding of cocaine in even one racing greyhound is cause for concern. In addition to being an illegal substance and having no legitimate therapeutic use, there is no proven evidence that cocaine makes a dog run faster. When there is a positive finding of an illegal substance such as cocaine, an investigation is immediately opened by the Division of Pari- Mutuel Wagering and the owner and/or trainer of the greyhound in question is held accountable through a combination of fines, suspension or revocation and the redistribution of the purse. Snel's figures, taken completely out of context, greatly distort their significance. Post-race urine samples are collected under tight security controls and tested at the Racing Laboratory at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. The vast majority of the overall positive findings involve the misuse of therapeutic drugs such as anti-inflammatories or analgesic medications. For the three-year period cited by Snel, almost 104,000 urine samples were thoroughly tested by the racing lab, with positive findings for cocaine in only 117 cases. That is approximately one-tenth of 1 percent positive findings for cocaine, or one in every 889 greyhounds tested. While still of concern, many findings show only a very low trace of cocaine exposure in the dogs. Florida's Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of racing animals and the public. Sanctions imposed against greyhound owners and trainers who violate state statutes and rules are significant - even in some cases shutting them out of the industry for good. The overwhelming majority of people associated with the greyhound racing industry abide by Florida Statutes and rules. A very small number of individuals are responsible for most of the cocaine positive findings and they are disciplined accordingly. This is a complex issue for which Snel provided only a fraction of the facts. The writer is director of the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin