May05
PETA Asks Chelsea and Hillary Clinton Never to Attend or Bet on Another Horse Race
Posted at 02:30 PM | Permalink
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Comments (55)
Following the shocking death of the horse that Senator Hillary Clinton publicly bet on in the Kentucky Derby, PETA has asked her to denounce this dirty “sport.”
In a letter to the Senator today, PETA’s president pointed out that Eight Belles was fiercely whipped in the final stretch just before the bone in her ankles broke through her skin and she crashed to the ground. Given that the joints of the young horses used in these races are not yet fully formed, this kind of accident is inevitable, and the expressions of surprise about this incident from within the horseracing industry are utterly fake. In her letter to the Senator—which points out that Eight Belles is just one out of a long list of horses who have broken their legs and had to be killed throughout the history of the Triple Crown and the hundreds more who die every year in the horseracing industry—PETA’s president writes:
“Attending the Derby is as despicable as attending a dogfight. For most—not a few—of the horses you see will not end up put out to pasture on a beautiful ranch but will be sent overseas to be slaughtered for someone's dinner plate. At some point, all horses stop winning.”
The letter asks Clinton to withdraw her public support of horseracing, and condemn the cruel “sport” instead.
I should point out here that PETA is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to stopping the exploitation and abuse of animals. PETA's condemnation of Hillary Clinton for betting on horses and its request that she denounce horseracing are in no way intended as intervention in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for political office.
Here’s the letter:
Dear Senator Clinton:
As a high profile political figure with the esteem of many women, I regret to say that your public support of horseracing—and specifically betting on Eight Belles—makes you culpable in her destruction. I ask you now to publicly condemn races like the Kentucky Derby. Eight Belles ran for her life and was fiercely whipped as she came down that final stretch when she was no doubt in a great deal of pain. We cannot call ourselves a civilized nation if we allow any living being to endure such abuse.
Races like this are the equivalent of child sweatshops. These are not even seasoned horses: They are young fillies and colts whose joints are not formed enough to endure such a grueling race. Despite this, they are pushed beyond their limits. The Triple Crown and other major horse races have become the graveyards of too many horses who were called champions. For example, Go For Wand, who went down in the 1990 Breeders' Cup Distaff and then stumbled up and tried to keep running with her broken leg dangling; Union City, who fractured a leg in the 1993 Preakness and was destroyed; Prairie Bayou, who that same year suffered a compound fracture in the Belmont Stakes and had to be destroyed; George Washington, who was euthanized after breaking his leg while running the Preakness last year; and of course Barbaro, the "poster horse" of the racing industry's failures and excesses, who despite efforts could not be saved from the injuries sustained during the 2006 Preakness. Barbaro's injuries were terrible—fractures of his canon bone, sesamoids, and long pastern as well as the dislocation of the fetlock joint. These are just a few of the horses we hear about—they are the winners, the horses who run the big races. Hundreds of horses meet the same painful, deadly fate every year in the horseracing industry. A race track is not a place for a fun day out, and we are writing to Chelsea on that score. Attending the Derby is as despicable as attending a dogfight. For most—not a few—of the horses you see will not end up put out to pasture on a beautiful ranch but will be sent overseas to be slaughtered for someone's dinner plate. At some point, all horses stop winning.
PETA takes no position on whether you win or lose the race you are in, but we call on you to publicly reject betting on such hideous spectacles of domination over wonderful animals who deserve more than pain and death for human profit and amusement.
Very truly yours,
Ingrid E. Newkirk
President
TAGGED:
Comments
I must say I was very suprised about the betting.
Sen. Clinton is a Co-Sponsor for Bill S.311 to shut down our boarders and keep our horses right here in the U.S. I am certain she and Chelsea regret this. I am sure they will get this message as they are not cruel people.
Peace, for all animals!
Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | May 5, 2008 03:10 PM
I am a big fan of Hillary Clinton and I have also written a letter to the Senator asking her to speak out against this tragedy. The senator has a history of voting in favor of animals and scored a perfect 100% on the Humane Society Scorecard last session--even voting to end the horse slaughter. I really hope she comes to the horses defense now, too!
Posted by: Katie | May 5, 2008 03:48 PM
Dear PETA,
I have been following horseracing for 15 years and have a comprehensive understanding of the policies which drive the game. I am currently directing the STOP SLOTS in TEXAS PAC, as horseracing seeks yet another subsidy to prop up a game the public has begun to reject. While I could point out a hundred things that compromise the integrity of the game(the whip use being just one) I will disclose to you the main changes racing is afraid will happen.
Thoroughbred racing is controlled by very wealthy individuals with deep political connections. The industry enjoys the only internet gambling exemption permitted in the United States. If this is taken away it will be devastating to racing.
The tax code currently allows for 200% depreciation on the purchase price of race horses. Some horses sell for millions of dollars. These horses are first and foremost TAX SHELTERS. One horse immediately comes to mind was named "The Green Monkey", he was purchased for over 16 MILLION DOLLARS, raced 4 times, never won and was just recently retired. Just last week at Hollywood Park a horse purchased for $250,000 was entered to be claimed for $25,000. As you can see, for the most part the public is wagering on galloping tax shelters who may or may not be entered to win the race.
As for whips, it is hard to say which issue racing will fight harder to preserve. The wealthy individuals obviously only care about the tax consequences, but the nefarious insiders(gamblers)who make millions by knowing which horse will be whipped(at the right moment)and how hard and often, know that the whip is their most effective tool in determining the outcome of the everyday(non-important)races.
My advice to PETA is to work towards changing the tax code, while simultaneously trying to get whips banned. After this is accomplished, then go after the internet gambling exemption. If these three things happen there will be virtually no more thoroughbred racing in the United States.
Gordon Pond
STOP SLOTS in TEXAS PAC
P.O.Box 142631
Austin, Texas
78714-2631
Posted by: gordon pond | May 5, 2008 03:59 PM
What I cannot understand is why PETA and its followers don't put their resources towards pushing for better education. It all falls back to education. Educate the masses and the rest will follow. I have read tons and tons of blogs on this site and the comments by the very people who support PETA are the most uneducated ridiculous comments I've ever read. As an organization I would be embarrassed to call these people your own.
Posted by: Sean | May 5, 2008 04:27 PM
Brilliant letter Ingrid!
But I do have 1 question. What is the number of horses that injure themselves in the wild and subsequently lay there in agony for days until they finally expire? Do you have any figures on that? Cuz I would think humanely ending a horse's suffering would be better than just allowing the horse to lay there in agony.
And just to clear up a few apparent myths circulating around PETA, YOU CANNOT REHABILITATE A HORSE. Eight Belles was not euthanized because she could "no longer earn any money for her owner", she was euthanized because when that happens to a horse, there is no saving them. Horses live their lives on their legs and cannot wheel themselves around in a wheelchair like us humans do when we break a leg. Nor can it use crutches.
When a horse suffers an unjury like this, inevitably it develops an infection more painful than the broken bones. That's why they are put down immediately. To END THEIR SUFFERING.
Thoroughbred race horses are treated better than any horses you see on a farm or anywhere else, because the sport is regulated.
Haven't you people ever heard the old saying "Tis better to be thought of as a fool and keep your mouth shut than to open it and remove all doubt"?
Posted by: john | May 5, 2008 05:08 PM
This comment is directed to Sean, who feels only educated people should believe in the rights of animals. Perhaps you should educate yourself, not only about PETA and it's followers, but about the rights of animals, and the inhumane treatment in which they recieve on an hourly basis all over the world. Only shallow, ridiculous, single minded people feel you need an education to fight for what you believe in.
Posted by: Kristin | May 5, 2008 05:57 PM
After reading all this about Hillary..there is no way I could support her for president...stop the animal abuse for "entertainment"
Posted by: mik | May 5, 2008 06:23 PM
Peta,
I'm usually with your cause regarding cruelty to animal. However, your blame on the jockey, trainer, and the owner is wrongfully misplaced.
Owner hire expensive trainer to care for their horses and good jockey to ride them. To say that the jockey is at fault or the trainer or the owner is fault is going too far. It's an accident and it could happen anywhere and to any horse...like Babaro in previous years. You can't blame it on the track either because it's the world class dirt track. No one in the racing circle ever want to see a horse go down, especially in this situation. I'm sure they are grieving for the horse right now, especially the jockey. So, please drop this crusade.
Posted by: Peter Nguyen | May 5, 2008 06:25 PM
It is abominable when human beings abuse animals in the interest of greed and avarice! It is a well known fact that horses should not be raced until they are THREE YEARS OLD. Then they can begin their training. The fact that this animal was racing too young, continued to be pushed with obvious broken ankles and the epitome of cruelty, euthanized because a female is totally unacceptable. THe owner, jookey and vet should be tried for murder. PETA please do all you can to stop this atrocity from happening again.
Posted by: Dr. Sandra Hillman | May 5, 2008 07:53 PM
Now I'm even happier I did not vote for her in the Caucus....... :-)
Posted by: Antigone1000 | May 5, 2008 09:20 PM
Hillary is trying to be like "the common man" or whatever...it's all political.
Remember she was knocking back shots and a beer in PA before their primary.
Granted, KY is not having a primary, but it's "nice" publicity that she was betting on horses...just like your average Joe...
Heh.
Still, it doesn't make it right. As a matter of fact it makes it more wrong... exploiting this horrid industry for her political gain. (Can I say, anything for a vote?)
My opinion of course.
Posted by: Tamara | May 5, 2008 10:46 PM
Sean, I agree. Not only are the people making comments with no valid research, they are too closed minded, dealing only with absolutes. To understand something, you HAVE to look from someone else's point of view.
Posted by: Drew | May 6, 2008 12:19 AM
I couldn't believe they euthanized this gentle creature just minutes after winning second place. I was distubed and dumbfounded. I cried for quite a while without ever having known this beautiful fillie. I gave a donation to PETA to support your cause against those who whip and abuse these beautiful horses at racing. These horses are whipped to win. I think their owners and the trainer should get a whipping to see what it is like. A public whipping at that. I hope your donations go up because of this tragic and cruel incident at Churchill Downs. If you ever want a picketer, call on me. I will be there. Eight Belles should not be stripped of placing, but I think the owner and trainer should be financially punished. THAT BEAUTIFUL FILLIE RAN THE RACE OF HER LIFE AND DIED WITHIN MINUTES OF FINISHING.
Posted by: dianne brewer | May 6, 2008 12:46 AM
it's sad to say that a lot of people are saddened by any tragic accident inflicted on animal... they claim that they love animals, support any organization, but still patronize activities involving animals... like betting in horseracing... eight belles sacrifice her life just to satisfy human greed. she never stopped running coz she knew many would be disappointed. she run till her ankles gave up... i believed she could be saved by surgery and might not run anymore... she was just put down right there and then coz she would be useless anymore to the people who loved to whip her on the race track.truly, money is the root of all evils.
zeeke,
philippines
Posted by: zeeke | May 6, 2008 03:53 AM
The premise that the jockey knew the filly was hurt and continued to ride is just silly. First, he would have been committing suicide to attempt to try to continue to ride with 18 stampeding horses behing him, and 2nd. you saw what happened when the ankles fractured, the option of continuing to run was zero, so the entire premise is flawed. I have been a racing fan for over 35 years and an owner for almost 15, there is no owner, rider, vet, groom, and very few trainers who would send a horse into a race where was the chance for catastrophic injury, we all realize the animal is running for our enjoyment and profit, we are not butchers. Are there issues with steroid use YES (this makes bones more brittle over time), and is breeding too focused on speed and not stamina YES, but neither of these issues is relevant to this particular tragedy. If you want this message to be sent, don't use the Ky. Derby and a flawed arguement, use a cheaper race on any other day at most race tracks, you won't get the same large audience, but the claim will be more accurate and will get more respect because what you would be claiming would be more accurate.
Posted by: greg | May 6, 2008 04:26 AM
Tragedies like the one at Churchill Downs, have to be stopped. But, good luck. BIG MONEY and GREED, backed by syndicates, will be difficult, if not impossible to stop. They killed one of my dad's horses, because he would not play their game. I will do anything I can, to protect these fabulous animals.
Posted by: Sara J. Tucker | May 6, 2008 07:27 AM
Well that tells you politician says one thing or pretends to do one thing but in reality they only do what it is financially & socially beneficial to them. It makes me sad.
Posted by: as@yah.coom | May 6, 2008 09:01 AM
I hate to ruin her chances with PETA over a rumor, but I heard that Sentaor Clinton declawed her cat and then got rid of it later.
I doubt you'll get compassion from her if that's true. Can someone confirm or deny this for me?
Posted by: Maya, CVT | May 6, 2008 09:27 AM
Dear PETA readers and members,
The Kentucky Derby was a reckless and wanton abuse of animal rights. The above comment that "very few trainers...would send a horse into a race where was [sic] the chance for catastrophic injury" is woefully unintelligent. There was indeed chance for catastrophic injury, as the end of the race for Eight Belles proved! The trainers DID send the poor filly to her painful death. Even before the race started, I was outraged that there were so many horses on the track. It was plain to me that tragedy would strike, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. Lo and behold, only a few minutes later Eight Belles was shown shattered on the dirt. Those who continue to defend the Derby cannot in any fashion debate that sending young horses to race whose JOINTS ARE NOT FULLY FORMED are themselves guilty of animal torture. Further, denounce the self-absorbed, uneducated, murderous individuals such as the one above goading, "don't use the Ky. [sic] Derby and a flawed arguement [sic], use a cheaper race on any other day at most race tracks, you won't get the same large audience, but the claim will be more accurate and will get more respect because what you would be claiming would be more accurate." What in the world? Decry a CHEAPER race?! So the fact that the KY Derby is a profit-winning giant means it has the authority to abuse animals? ANY of these races that subject animals to risk of life and limb for spectator jollies is deplorable, and the fact that the KY Derby IS a vast economic venture makes it MORE despicable. And tell me if I'm wrong, animal-lovers, but ought we care if we are getting "respect" from those people who torture and kill baby animals?
I laud PETA for reaching out to Senator Clinton and Chelsea. Alas, I sincerely doubt the Senaotr will make such a promise to you, but at least your gesture will be revealing. One would hope a woman would have the protective mother instict against abuse of animals. The KY Derby and other horse races do not only exploit non-human animals, they also exploit human animals suffering from gambling addiction. It is well-known that the gambling industry profits most from gambling addicts and the poor.
Sincerely,
Angela
Posted by: Angela | May 6, 2008 09:44 AM
How many more innocent horses are going to be destroyed because of man's GREED. Whoever gave man the right to have control over animals. We have dog fighting, cock fighting, horse racing, dog racing, circuses, etc. Not to mention, the atrocities that go on in the production of meat for consumption and the production and killing of animals for fur. The list goes on and on where man uses and abuses animals for his GREED and pleasure. Animals feel pain, know fear and want to live just as much as humans. Why is it that animals have no rights? I've heard it said that you can judge a nation by the way they treat their animals. Poor commentary on the part of the U.S. Horse racing is archaic and cruel. It's time to put a stop to it before more of these beautiful creatures are injured and destroyed. It's time to let animals live in their natural habitats and for man to stop victimizing them.
Posted by: Sherry | May 6, 2008 10:13 AM
How many more innocent horses are going to be destroyed because of man's GREED. Whoever gave man the right to have control over animals. We have dog fighting, cock fighting, horse racing, dog racing, circuses, etc. Not to mention, the atrocities that go on in the production of meat for consumption and the production and killing of animals for fur. The list goes on and on where man uses and abuses animals for his GREED and pleasure. Animals feel pain, know fear and want to live just as much as humans. Why is it that animals have no rights? I've heard it said that you can judge a nation by the way they treat their animals. Poor commentary on the part of the U.S. Horse racing is archaic and cruel. It's time to put a stop to it before more of these beautiful creatures are injured and destroyed. It's time to let animals live in their natural habitats and for man to stop victimizing them.
Posted by: Sherry | May 6, 2008 10:58 AM
i agree with peta we should try to change how horses are treated. remember prohibtion
the results will be the same
if you get rid of horse racing.
Posted by: bob | May 6, 2008 11:27 AM
John, yes these horses are treated like Kings and Queens.
But lets talk about what happens to the horses when they stop making the money.
80% of these horses are sent to slaughter including champions such as Exceller and Ferdinand etc. And of course family horses.
The groups I belong to have rescued many horses from the racetrack and the horrific auctions.
So the horses that are treated like "Kings" and Queens" are treated like trash once the money stops.
Champions become losers.
And most are sent to their death. Owners and trainers never look back. Believe me, I know, I have watched this up close and personal.
Peace, for all animals!
Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | May 6, 2008 11:30 AM
"Thoroughbred racing is controlled by very wealthy individuals with deep political connections"
And they are robbing honest Americans blind with their TAX CHEATING that goes on in the breeding/racing world.
Horse racing and breeding is also a tax dodge by bad Americans that want to steal from the rest of us.
These tax frauds have to be stopped and the loopholes closed up.
Posted by: kelly | May 6, 2008 12:57 PM
"What I cannot understand is why PETA and its followers don't put their resources towards pushing for better education."
This is a PLOY of the breeders and racers because they know that EDUCATION DOESN'T WORK, and they can continue their organized crime and abuse easily without rules and laws.
Rules and laws WILL end the abuse, and they know that!
That is why they try to convince the gullible that all we need is "education."
The AKC and dog breeders say the same thing, so they can continue to run puppy mills and abuse dogs and cheat on their taxes with their income.
Above all, the animal breeding world doesn't want any laws and regulations to stop their crimes!
Posted by: kelly | May 6, 2008 01:02 PM
To keep the tax fraud going, the racing industry has to stuff dollars in the hands of corrupt legislators willing to help them and protect them
It is time to EXPOSE THE LEGISLATORS that help this industry steal from the poor and elderly in this country with their tax-cheating ways
Posted by: kelly | May 6, 2008 01:10 PM
The only reason why horse racing is considered a sport is because rich people support it. If those with money to throw away started betting on dog fights or chicken fights they would find a way to make it legal. That is the way our world works.The all mighty dollar always wins. Just image what all those betting dollars could do for our country. Sad.
Posted by: anna | May 6, 2008 01:33 PM
There is something I noticed regarding this race;very disturbing, Saez said he was trying to pull Eight Belles from Her comfort zone nearing the rail.If you look closely at the race video, you will see Eight Belles, pulling up Her head and shaking it all the while moving toward the outside of the track. Saez pulls Eight Belles in and takes second. He knew something was wrong, I forced myself to watch this 5 times, just to make sure. It is on you tube. Something is very wrong about all of this.
Posted by: Trisha | May 6, 2008 03:32 PM
TO SHERRY AMEN! NOTHING MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID!
Posted by: susan | May 6, 2008 05:25 PM
Would that be Socks the cat that got declawed...???
Yeah, they "farmed her out" (or was the cat male?) when they left the White House.
I think Socks went with a White House staff person...
Posted by: Tamara | May 6, 2008 06:24 PM
I would hope that people also remember that Thoroughbred racing is not the only sport in which horses are abused. Gaited horses such as Tennessee Walkers and Paso Finos are "sored" to force them into exaggerated gaits. This "soring" can consist of heavy chains (which are allowed into the show ring) and painful chemical burns on the pasterns. Until recently, driving nails into the hoof wall was also considered an acceptable method of soring. "Pressure shoeing", in which the hoof is filed down to the quick is another method used to inflict pain. All of these painful procedures result in the horse unable to bear weight on the hooves and produces the high knee action favored by those who show and judge these breeds.
Posted by: cate | May 6, 2008 07:22 PM
I miss Eight Belles Even if I didn't meet her also wheres the High tech vet medicine?
Posted by: bob | May 6, 2008 11:51 PM
This was an unfortunate accident Mrs. Clinton had nothing to do with - why would you personalize this?
Posted by: Vickie | May 6, 2008 11:56 PM
angela the earlier poster , you are basically for better words not too bright. first off if you detest horse racing so much why were you watching it?? and you knew beforehand something bad would happen and you still watched. you must be some sicko who likes watching horses die. and you knew this all despite the fact that there has never been a death in any kentucky derby? boy you must have a crystal ball.
at least your better then the poster who went to curse out a 20 year old kid jockey at his job and call him a murderer. that i read on another blog posting here on peta.
should we ban equestrian events for horses as there have been deaths there too?
some of you have your heart in the right place but you are being misinformed by peta.
the horse had 2 broken ankles but kept racing. ?? does that make any sense?
meanwhile everyday horses are killed in this country because they are given up and they come from all breeds and all walks of lige across the board.
if you really love horses you could donate your money to outfits like the standardbred retirement fund who help retired harness racehorses find homes. this is run by the many good people in this industry who love horses and care about their well being.
im sorry for eight belles death but calling 20 year old jockeys murderers will never bring her back. in my opinion it just ruins your credibility.
Posted by: steven | May 7, 2008 12:01 AM
RIP Eight Belles!
Please leave the family of Eight Belles alone.
The death of Eight Belles was a freak accident and if you did ANY invstigation in her death you would know this.
Posted by: Jeff Cantrell | May 7, 2008 03:07 AM
I read on May 4th that tucked inside the farm bill so that they could secure votes negotiators added a $93 million write-off for thoroughbred racehorses at the behest of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and Arkansas Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln.
Posted by: Lin | May 7, 2008 05:27 AM
In response to this "educated" poster's message:
"What I cannot understand is why PETA and its followers don't put their resources towards pushing for better education."
Hey, buddy- I got all the education I needed by watching this horse literally run down to the ground by owners, trainers, jockeys and all involved (yes, Hillary, this means you) in this cruel practice. You go PETA! All of the educated, humane world is behind you!
Posted by: Kim Jeffreys | May 7, 2008 07:33 AM
This comment is to Sean re your statement that "race horses are treated better than any horses you see on a farm or anywhere else". I owned a former race horse for four years until he died of what the vet thought was liver failure at the age of 25-30ish. He had the best of care, (as do all my horses, with me on my little farm)where he lived the last years of his life grazing in open pastures instead of confined to a stall or paddock. I also sunk a small fortune into quality hay, healthy feed and supplements, massage, and chiropractic care as well as routine gentle exercise. When I see a horse that I think is physically neglected or abused--whether on a "farm" or fancy boarding facility--I call the Hooved Animal Humane Society, and they are right on it. So, at least in Illinois, we are also regulated. So, while I understand your intent, please don't generalize that horses on farms don't have the quality of care that horse get in multi-million $$ training facilities.
Posted by: Cindy | May 7, 2008 08:46 AM
Hillary, as a leader, stay away from animal abuse which includes horse racing, as these beautiful animals are pushed to there limit,
Kevin Talbot
Posted by: kevin talbot | May 7, 2008 09:46 AM
How many more innocent horses are going to be destroyed because of man's GREED. Whoever gave man the right to have control over animals. We have dog fighting, cock fighting, horse racing, dog racing, circuses, etc. Not to mention, the atrocities that go on in the production of meat for consumption and the production and killing of animals for fur. The list goes on and on where man uses and abuses animals for his GREED and pleasure. Animals feel pain, know fear and want to live just as much as humans. Why is it that animals have no rights? I've heard it said that you can judge a nation by the way they treat their animals. Poor commentary on the part of the U.S. Horse racing is archaic and cruel. It's time to put a stop to it before more of these beautiful creatures are injured and destroyed. It's time to let animals live in their natural habitats and for man to stop victimizing them.
Posted by: Sherry | May 7, 2008 10:11 AM
Tamara -
Thank you, yes that was Socks. I realize that just like horse racing, declawing can be done out of ignorance but it's still so discouraging! She should know better.
Geez, where are the real leaders?? ;)
Posted by: Maya, CVT | May 7, 2008 12:17 PM
Hillary is great, she stands firm on many animal issues that are very important to me.
So does Obama! She is far from being a cruel person.
So get a life.
Judith
Peace, for all animals!
Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | May 7, 2008 12:24 PM
Attending the Derby is as despicable as attending a dogfight?
In all honesty, I admire PETA and the vital work it does in many areas. When you have these overblown responses to tragedies like this, however, that is how you perpetuate the stereotype that you are ignorant extremists, which I don't think to be true at all.
If you want to call on the industry to re-evaluate its safety standards, fine. But calling on this poor young jockey to be suspended, or his purse withheld? Calling on Hillary and Chelsea not to attend another race? Absolutely ludicrous.
Posted by: Dan | May 7, 2008 01:40 PM
37 percent of racehorses end up being slaughtered.
House (HR503) and
Senate (S311) would permanently ban horse slaughter and close the export loophole. They would prohibit the transport of horses packed inside trucks, mass misery, a horrific journey to a horrific death, to slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada. I hope that everyone would contact their senators and reps urging them to pass this. Senator Larry Craig from Idaho is blocking the bill.
There are videos on youtube of what happens to the horses if you can stand it. There also is an article written by Lisa Sandberg entitled, 'Horse Slaughters Taking Place on the Border' that you should read if you haven't already. It was published 10/02/2007
The Missouri Senate has just passed a resolution urging Congress to allow horse slaughter as they want to open a horse slaughter torture facility.
Let Congress know that it is not acceptable.
Think of all of the overbreeding that the horse racing industry is responsible for and all the suffering the horses endure when they are tossed away.
Posted by: Lin | May 7, 2008 02:27 PM
Obama bet on this same race only he bet on Colonel John. Where is the letter to him????????? Fair's fair.
Posted by: Lauren | May 7, 2008 04:47 PM
Also, I really hope that Sen. Clinton has more than just the esteem of 'many women'. Many men also admire the senator. Ms. Newkirk has revealed some of her innate presumptions - exactly what is hurting women, and the kind of thing that enables humans to hurt animals. Perhaps someone should write a letter to Ms. Newkirk.
Posted by: Lauren | May 7, 2008 04:50 PM
Some of you people who commented on here just don't get it. The whole point is that all of this could be avoided if there was an end to horseracing. That's it. No more discussion about the "why's" and "what ifs". No animal should have to be made to do something just for human entertainment!!!!
Posted by: Patti | May 8, 2008 09:08 AM
Yet you people dont mind automobile racing...
Posted by: Dr.Breen | May 8, 2008 03:23 PM
Dr. Breen,
You have to be kidding! Automobile racing??? Okay, think about that. Automobile racing is a choice that HUMANS make because they have that choice, so no, I don't feel a bit bad about it. Animals don't get a choice. They don't have a voice. We have to be their voice and advocate for their rights. Honestly! Automobile racing!
Posted by: Brandy | May 8, 2008 04:21 PM
Sean, your a niave dumbass. They are NOT treated better than any other horse, much worse actually. How about I sit on your back and make you sprint more than a mile while at the same time whipping you with a crop wherever I expect it will make you run faster, and carry me at the same time. Even though your running as fast as you can, I continue to just pound down on you with that crop. How about you run on hard ground that pounds on your joints until they break. Then once you hit the final stretch, I hit you so hard with that crop that you run so fast your shins split right through your muscle and skin and yet, I'm still beating down on you to cross that finish line and take a first. And oh, by the way, once you cross that finnish line we kill you and get paid to do it. Sure, dosen't seem so bad to the fools who would gladly trade there horses life for millions, but, what about you? How do you feel that you were no more than a way to make money for your owners. They all cheer and flash their prize around as you stare up at them wondering why they don't care. You slowly die out on the field while upset "fans" scream in horror. But your owners still don't care. What would that feel like?
Posted by: Sonnet | May 8, 2008 05:01 PM
I hope Hillary and Chelsea Clinton take Ingrid's letter to heart.
Posted by: lynda downie | May 8, 2008 11:48 PM
she could have saved by surgery, pins etc. sedatives and anesthesia, but GREED got in way of helping Eight Belles
Posted by: bob | May 9, 2008 12:55 AM
Animals should be treated with respect.Not beaten hard enough to kill them.
Posted by: Sydney | May 9, 2008 12:10 PM
Dear PETA
Although I am against the abuse of animals of all shapes and sizes, and I try my best to help them; However I am against false information/truths!!! l
when the horse fell after breaking its bone and they euthanized it, it was not because the horse would not make them any more money, its because the horse will not be able to live even if they took it to a hospital!!! And as long as the horse lived, he would have SUFFERED!! So they euthanized him there and then to END THE SUFFERING OF THE POOR HORSE!!! Granted he should not be racing in the first place but we couldn't have stop that. But at least they can do one good thing to the horse!
But there was no way a horse can live after breaking a bone on his leg! No Way!
Yes blame them for forcing the horses for racing in the first place! Yes blame them for being cruel! But don't feed the public wrong information! Even if its as small as this! Because one small mistake or lie can have a big effect and sometimes it cannot be a good thing and that's not something to risk!
AND ABOUT HILARY:
yeah its wrong for her to bet on a horse, but you have to think of it as her p.o.v.
did she know what is/was happening to those horses? I mean I am a pretty big Activist, but I just found out what really happens to those horses!! I mean I knew about the whipping but I did not know about the other stuff! you cannot blame her! And nor you shouldn't put her on the spot light like that because of what she did which was only betting!!! She did not do the Whipping nor the beatings!
And don't make yourself seem like an angel because we all have made mistakes before and you shouldn't put someone else out for doing something out like that when you know there are others who should be brought down!!! dont waste your time blaming Hilary when you should bring down the corporation who make those horses run everyday!!!
Posted by: Denise Catalan | May 10, 2008 01:10 AM
zeeke said:
"The premise that the jockey knew the filly was hurt and continued to ride is just silly. First, he would have been committing suicide to attempt to try to continue to ride with 18 stampeding horses behing him, and 2nd. you saw what happened when the ankles fractured, the option of continuing to run was zero, so the entire premise is flawed. I have been a racing fan for over 35 years and an owner for almost 15, there is no owner, rider, vet, groom, and very few trainers who would send a horse into a race where was the chance for catastrophic injury, we all realize the animal is running for our enjoyment and profit, we are not butchers."
I totally agree with zeeke.
Posted by: amonymous | May 10, 2008 05:14 PM