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.