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Branstad OKs bill ending Council Bluffs dog races

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May 30th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has signed a bill into law that will end greyhound dog racing in Council Bluffs by 2016. Branstad’s office said the governor signed the bill Friday along with more than a dozen other bills.

The measure will end greyhound racing in Council Bluffs but allow dog owners to continue operating a track in Dubuque. It requires casinos that have long-subsidized the dog racing tracks to pay $72 million. That will pay for a retirement fund for dog owners and breeders and help the Iowa Greyhound Association negotiate a lease for the Dubuque track.

Branstad signed five bills publicly Friday, including legislation that legalizes the use of cannabis oil to treat severe epilepsy.