TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A bill that would ban injecting racing greyhounds in Florida with anabolic steroids is heading to the House floor.
The House's Commerce Committee approved HB 743 on Tuesday.
Florida is home to 12 of 19 tracks in the United States and one of the few places where the use of steroids is permitted. It's banned in Great Britain and Australia, where the sport remains popular.
Orlando Democrat Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith - a bill sponsor - says the use of steroids keeps female greyhounds from going into heat and losing racing days. He's equates the drug use to "pre-game dog doping."
Representatives from Florida's Greyhound industry argue steroids don't enhance performance. Some legislators have discussed the possibility of an amendment that would allow exemptions when medically necessary.
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