With the recent death of Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby, the debate over horse racing is once again raging. Some horse racing fans are calling for reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future, while others claim it was a freak accident and there is nothing inherently wrong with the sport. But aside from the issues of death and injury is the issue of the basic ethics of horse racing.

From an animal rights standpoint, horses should not be forced to run, should not be bred, and should not be put to sleep when their owners decide they are not profitable. In fact, the very ownership, breeding, buying and selling of horses is antithetical to animal rights. This is why many animal activists boycott horse racing and all forms of animal entertainment. Read some more tips for changes you can make to help animals.