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An article from the San Diego News Network highlights some of the ways in which horses suffer in horse racing. Risky medications, irresponsible breeding, questionable training methods, euthanasia, injuries and horse slaughter are all discussed, and it's great whenever these issues come to light in the mainstream news media.
One problem, however, is that the industry and the fans seem to think that horse racing can be humane if certain problems are solved. The article discusses fixes like installing synthetic track surfaces, banning horse slaughter and more drug testing. Not once does it mention ending horse racing.
The sport does not have the horses' best interests in mind. As long as the horses are forced to run at racetracks, they will suffer. Even if the injuries were minimized and horses were no longer drugged or slaughtered, forcing them to race violates their right to be free of human use and abuse. If we truly respected their rights, we would stop buying, selling, breeding and racing horses.
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Comments
Doris, I appreciate your blog and I am a staunch opponent of the profligate, disgusting industry of horse racing. The NTRA’s Integrity and Alliance Association is merely “window dressing” to make sure that tracks won’t be fined or shut down due to their continued abuses and neglect of the welfare of the equine athletes. I CONSTANTLY send letters, blog, etc. in efforts to end this inhumane treatment of horses. Making them serve as gambling icons is ridiculous. There were 1800 horses euthanized due to injuries at tracks America in 2008 and I am sure the numbers will rise in 2009. I was born and raised in Louisville, Ky. I no longer live there but frequently visit. I refuse to visit during “Derby Time”. A shameful event on that first Saturday in May. Rest in Peace, beautiful Eight Belles and all the other horses who suffered senseless deaths in horrendous circumstances. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Mahatma Gandhi
I agree with you 100%, Doris, and also with Pamela’s comments. I was in Saratoga Springs last weekend (off-season) and was struck anew by how the entire town is awash in horse and racetrack “buzz” and statues and wealth, but few truly love horses as they deserve to be loved: for their sweet, dignified, noble, priceless selves. If anyone TRULY loves horses in the way their Maker loves them, they will stop exploiting them for profit, for pleasure, for power, or for any other equally pathetic, self-centered excuse. Fame and fortune mean nothing to a horse. Having a kind, trusted, loyal leader who respects him and treats him like a friend is all that matters to him.