DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.,None — The state said dogs belonging to two well know trainers and independent contractors at the Daytona Beach Kennel Club tested positive for cocaine.
The state said it tests 20 to 25 dogs at the kennel club every night.
Greyhounds are part of a heavily criticized multibillion dollar industry. Now there is more attention after the state suspended the licenses of two trainers accused of giving 7 racing dogs cocaine.
Some dog racing fans were not surprised by the news. "It's kind of disappointing that they do it, but it seems that is the nature of the dog racing," said James Howell.
Department of Business and Professional Regulation documents said the trainers are Richard Alves and his son Casey Alves. The two train more than 115 dogs.
A family member told WFTV by phone the father and son team are against animal abuse.
Officials said it is possible for a drug to get into an animal's system if that drug was on someone's hands.
Dogs at Daytona Beach Kennel Club have several different handlers besides their trainers. WFTV asked state investigators how they can be sure the Alves are responsible for doping the dogs. A spokeswoman responded that the evidence will come out in court.
The kennel club's general manager said there is a zero tolerance for drugs and now the business will randomly test employees.
"We have the best interest of the greyhounds in the industry at large," said General Manager Dan Francati. "It's always saddening when we hear something like this."
Richard Alves has more than 40 years experience training dogs. He and his son will have an administrative hearing to present their side.
WFTV
