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A plan to let Greyhound tracks offer card games and on-line betting but not dog racing hit a snag in the state legislature today. The legislation is creating a clash of cultures.

Legislation that began as a requirement to report injuries to racing greyhounds has morphed into what is being called de-coupling… Dog tracks will be able to drop racing but keep card rooms or slots.

“A racing greyhound dies in Florida every three days,” said Sen. Eleanor Sobel (D-Broward County). “We need better regulations.”

As State Senators announced their plan to end greyhound racing, the Senate President’s wife stroked three dogs at the event. More than four dozen unhappy dog breeders also showed up. Extra security was brought in as a precaution, but not needed. Sponsor Senator Maria Sachs (D-DelRay Beach) says racing will be optional under her plan.

“Those dog tracks that are losing money, they don’t have to continue to race,” said Sachs. “But they’ll be able to operate their business in a business-like model.”

The breeders have been fighting to stay alive for more than a decade. Florida is home to 13 tracks that still race. The breeders and trainers say it’s in their best interest to take care of their animals, they blame the tracks for injuries and deaths.

Still, racing advocates say the gaming remains popular.

“Eighty-eight million dollars was bet on live greyhound racing in this state,” said Jack Cory of the Florida Greyhound Association. “Eighty-eight million dollars.”

Track owners had hoped to offer slots and more under a major expansion of gambling that was on track for this year. but with the expansion dead, they are hoping to shed the live events which are less profitable than card rooms.

The plan to kill racing can still be voted on before lawmakers go home in early May.