Sep18
At Least 100 Racehorses Dead Since Kentucky Derby
Posted at 05:30 PM | Permalink
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Comments (41)
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After the tragic death of Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby this past May, we at PETA were hopeful that all the shock and emotion involved would result in some real horseracing industry reforms. Unfortunately, change hasn't come fast enough. In fact, in the four months since Eight Belles crashed to the ground at the Kentucky Derby, at least 100 other racehorses have died.
Yeah, you read that right. At least 100 racehorses and counting! How this industry hasn't already been seriously reformed—or gone out of business entirely—is totally beyond me. In light of these shocking numbers, PETA has fired off a letter to National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) president Alex Waldrop calling on the NTRA to take immediate action and lead the racing industry by implementing reforms that will help prevent more deaths.
PETA is urging the industry to make several changes, including enacting a zero-tolerance drug policy, a ban on whipping, a prohibition on competitive racing for horses younger than 3 years old, and a ban on dirt tracks in favor of turf (grass) tracks—which would greatly decrease the chances of catastrophic injury. I know it's not the perfect solution—the perfect solution would be the end of horseracing altogether. But what's important right now is healthier and happier lives for these horses—so it's crucial that the industry make these changes immediately.
We've known for a long time of the horseracing industry's cruelty. Our letter to the NTRA is not the first time PETA has campaigned for change in the industry. And I assure you, it will not be the last.
Posted by Carrie Ann Harris
TAGGED:
kentucky derby eight belles horseracing
Comments
The Jocky Club has made new rules and are switching dirt tracks to synthetic as fast as they can. A synthetic track costs at least ONE MILLION dollors. Many of the tracks are switching and there have also been strict bans on Steroids on any kind. They have also busted a number of jockys for varous things and busted trainers. They HAVE started to change,
Alicia
Posted by: Alicia | September 18, 2008 06:21 PM
"the perfect solution would be the end of horseracing altogether"
Hmm. No, it seems the perfect solution is to exterminate all humans. Yeah? Wouldn't that be neat? No animal slaughter, no pet abuse, so animals in circuses, no animals used for testing, no animals used for clothing, no animal exploitation whatsoever Because as long as humans are here, animal exploitation will happen, no matter what you try to do. So, let's get rid of humans. How perfect! Yaaay! Down with humans!
Now back to reality. Where is the link to the facts? The evidence. Hey, I'll believe you; I'd just like to see the facts.
Posted by: maria | September 18, 2008 08:07 PM
ALL I CAN SAY ARE THESE PEAOPLE ARE SICK MF . MAKES ME SICK
Posted by: DENISE | September 18, 2008 10:54 PM
PETA-- PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU GET SOME HORSE -RACING PAMPLETS. O.K! WE HAVE A HORSE-RACING PLACE HERE IN SAN ANTONIO,TX AND WE NEED TO STOP THIS AND INFORM THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE CRUEL SIDE OF THIS . MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW .AT LEAST THIS WAY PEOPLE CAN MAKE A CHOICE ON WHAT THEY WANT TO DO. HOPEFULLY, TO NOT GO TO THE RACES ANY MORE. PLEASE LET US KNOW ABOUT THE PAMPLETS, WHEN THEY COME OUT. THANK YOU !
Posted by: SASHA | September 18, 2008 11:02 PM
Go PETA!
Posted by: ian | September 19, 2008 10:19 AM
Eight Belles dying was a complete accident. Her death was not planned or wanted. She changed leads and simply crashed. It was no ones fault! Accidents happen and I honestly do not agree about banning racing. Racing has been a sport for a long time. I think its better then football. Those horses are treated like royalty. Why would you race a horse not fit enough if you wanted to win? Maybe you should think about things like that before you write stuff like this.
Posted by: Jessica | September 19, 2008 11:11 AM
Racing is a rotten business. Well not a business.
It's more like organized crime.
Until people STOP GOING TO THE TRACKS and stop betting, horse abuse and death will continue.
And they still are sending wonderful horses to slaughter
Posted by: kelly | September 19, 2008 12:06 PM
Wow, that's all I have to say.
Its sad when an innocent being has to die for others enjoyment.
GO TEAM PETA!
Posted by: amanda | September 19, 2008 12:19 PM
The difference between horse racing and other sports is that horses do not choose to race. They are forced to train, be abused, and then retire (often as food in another country!)
Posted by: Becca | September 19, 2008 01:37 PM
Yes Jessica, accidents do happen. Accidents especially happen when people are being senseless and selfish. Should they not ban drinking and driving because, "Well, accidents happen." Maybe the drunk driver didn't plan or want to kill the little boy on his bicycle, but he did. The people who race horses are not thinking about the horses. They make money and lots of it, to exploit the abilities of these beautiful creatures. Football players can say "No" and be heard. If a horse "Says no", they are whipped into submission. I think there is a difference. Maybe it is you who needs to think.
Posted by: Siobhan M. | September 19, 2008 03:41 PM
Maria,
Here are the facts:
"LEXINGTON, Ky. - Thoroughbred racetracks in the United States reported more than three horse deaths a day last year and 5,000 since 2003, and the vast majority were put down after suffering devastating injuries on the track, according to an Associated Press survey.
Countless other deaths went unreported because of lax record-keeping, the AP found in the broadest such review to date."
"According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (and they may be purposely lowballing it—my comment), the racing industry suffers 730 catastrophic breakdowns a year, or two a day."
Posted by: Mike Quinoa | September 19, 2008 04:03 PM
Mike,
Thank you, but I would like to see the link, or reference to a news or magazine article; preferably one not affiliated with peta. Hey, I’d like to believe you, but with some of the ridiculous (ie: feeding children animal products is child abuse) claims with no reliable backing have of course made any thinking person wary of peta’s credibility. But if you can’t find a credible source, that’s perfectly fine. I’ll look elsewhere for REAL animal welfare articles. Good day.
Posted by: maria | September 19, 2008 06:53 PM
These people are all heavy sadists and criminals,we should all stand up and confront them.Society must wake up.If not...what goes around comes around,suffering will follow for all of us.We really deserve it.
Posted by: Roswitha Reinders | September 19, 2008 07:39 PM
I have been behind the scenes of this kind of stuff horse racing is a way for people to make money when they do win their food isnt changed for the better they get worked harder. Its like the movies annie. Instead of kisses they get kicked. This must stop I own horses all it is is a rich mans way to make more money
Posted by: shalynda | September 19, 2008 09:23 PM
why should we kill DOGS:( i watched the video and started crying and vomiting its a process ofcruelty that should be taken care of or else.maybe the people that slatter animals should beslaughtered themselves,i think it would be fair.
Posted by: abby | September 20, 2008 11:51 PM
absolutely horrifying, what people will do to animals.
and to think that there s so much doting with these highly
valued animals, and then risk their lives in these horrble
races. If it were only these stupid jockeys lifes on the line I wouldn t give a damn, but it s always the animals, that pay with their lives. But anything you can make a buck on is possible, till harm for both humans and
ultimately, it s always the
poor animals who have to pay the price, in this case these highly valued and beautiful
horses. well how do you stop
everything bad and wrong in this world I wonder. When will these horrible practises
ever end. We didn t get the animals to abuse and eat them, but to
be worshipped and taken well cared off and loved.
kelly ann makepeace
Posted by: kellyann.makepeace | September 21, 2008 08:35 AM
Racehorses love to run. I think everyone who thinks this is a gruesome sport should walk onto the backstretch and see the people that DO take care of the horses. To some of us, these horses are our lives. Not because they make us money, but because we love them. There are some horses that are not taken care of well, but the majority of them have very good lives. They have the best veterinary care, they get time off when they aren't doing well, and they retire to homes where they have new "jobs." Racehorses run because they were born to, they do it in the field on their own and love it. They are athletes. Would you tell all highschoolers that they weren't allowed to play sports anymore because of the injuries they come up with? I have joints that will never be the same after my highschool sport career, but i loved it, nobody could have stopped me even when I was in pain. Nobody enjoys when a horse is hurt during racing, or in the morning workouts. It casts a dark shadow over the whole backside. We are not "monsters" because we work with racehorses. So please don't forget that there are some of us who are back there because we love the horses and want them to be happy.
Posted by: Ashley | September 21, 2008 10:11 AM
In Reply to Sasha, and off topic.
Perhaps you are new(ish) to posting online and haven't had anyone let you know a certain rule of etiquette? I mention it only respectfully, but when you post in all caps, or type a phrase in capitals it means you're shouting. (THIS LITERALLY MEANS I'M YELLING MY HEAD OFF) Of course I understand if that was what you intended, but the tenor of your post left me a little in question. Only trying to be helpful,
yrs.
josh
Posted by: josh | September 21, 2008 10:49 PM
Just another thought on "all racehorses love to run"
No, not exactly. Not every thoroughbred shows the desire or aptitude to run (let alone get loaded into the gate). Please see Barbaro's half-brother (Man In Havana) who was gelded and sent back to the farm while in training for this reason. He is far from the only TB to do this.
And yes, I too would like to see a cited reference to the 100 horses. I'm glad PETA is still keeping on the thoroughbred industry but ready citations just makes it easier to stuff it back in the face of those who say "you're full of it."
Posted by: Jenn | September 22, 2008 10:29 AM
Jessica,
Those of us in the equine industry can see right through your faulty logic. It is incumbent upon us to explain to people who don't know horse issues as well as we do what the truth really is. When horses change leads, which means change the leg that is in front in the gallop, their legs do not as a matter of course break. The species would not have survived had this been the case. Secondly, your comment that , "Horses are treated like royalty, " is one of the most naive, vapid statements I have heard about race horses. Royal subjects are not subjected to drugs injected into them that push them to ran faster and more often than they would in nature. Royal subjects are not beaten on a regular basis with whips, even when they comply and run so fast that they break down right on the track. Royal subjects are not forced into crowded trailers, pulled across hundreds of miles in the heat , and inhumanely slaughted in Mexico so the Japanese, French, and Belgian people can eat their flesh.
Research before you speak in platitudes. Your ignorance is part of the reason racing is still accepted in mainstream America, although support is waning fast.
Posted by: valerie | September 22, 2008 10:31 AM
Maria, here you go:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/topstories/2008-06-14-2327995797_x.htm
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_566948.html
(To see the original AAEP quote on their website you have to become a member of the AAEP)
Ashley said, "Racehorses run because they were born to, they do it in the field on their own and love it."
That's right, they do love to run, but on their own terms. They don't love to die, though.
"I have joints that will never be the same after my highschool sport career, but i loved it, nobody could have stopped me even when I was in pain."
Not very prudent to ignore your body's warning systems, but still your own choice. Horses aren't always given that choice.
Posted by: Mike Quinoa | September 22, 2008 10:37 AM
TO JOSH - THANK YOU! BUT I'M BLIND IN ONE EYE AND MY SIGHT ISN'T VERY GOOD IN THE OTHER. SO THIS IS THE WAY I TYPE AND SEE WHAT I AM WRITING. I CAN READ OTHERS COMMENTS- BUT IT TAKES ALONG TIME FOR ME TO READ. ANYWAY, I KNOW YOU DIDN'T KNOW THIS,SO IT'S O.K.
Posted by: SASHA | September 22, 2008 11:29 PM
The way to stop this horrible treatment of horses and all animals in "entertainment" is to BOYCOTT these type of events ( circuses, rodeos, race tracks, etc.) I also hate to see concerts at fairs where animals are being abused. It is shocking to see how many people see nothing wrong with attending these types of events. We all have the power to make change through our choices!
Posted by: Kathleen W. | September 23, 2008 09:37 PM
100 dead TB racehorses. That's unconscionable, cruel and inhumane. Just another reason why animals should not be treated like commodities.
Posted by: vegancoin | September 24, 2008 12:37 AM
Another "industry" that has been a hotbed of controversy is the Tennessee Walking horse trade, and I live right in the thick of it. Did you know that Tenn. has the most horses of any state? And for what?? I have never seen an animal being forced to do such "unnatural" acts until I witnessed the Celebration. I admit I didn't understand what all the "to do" was about other than making "mucho dinero" for the horse owners. These poor animals don't even get to BREED naturally!!, much less walk.
Posted by: prplkao | September 24, 2008 03:42 AM
I worked in the racing industry a few years ago, for a leading stable. Not only were the horses all drugged with legal drugs, but illegal drugs as well - ones the tests haven't caught up with yet. Lame and crippled horses were regularly trained, not because they had any chance of winning, but because owners paid for them to run. Underdeveloped horses - 1.5-2 year olds - regularly broke down. Jessica - if you worked in the industry, if you saw what really happens behind the scenes - you'd be horrified. The strappers - mostly - loved the horses - and tried to do their best for them - but you can't fight owners and trainers who are in it for the money and damn the horses.
I saved one horse. He ran last 3 times and was supposed to be dogged as a 3 yr old. He's 22 now, and retired in an 80 acre paddock with lots of friends. He hated racing, but loved to run in a paddock and play.
Few racehorses get new "jobs" unless you call being slaughtered for pet food a job. Next year I will save another one, but my budget only stretches so far.
Posted by: Shaere | September 24, 2008 06:47 AM
TO SHAERE - YOU ARE AN ANGEL! GOD WILL BLESS YOU FOR SAVING EACH HORSE. THANK YOU ALSO FOR SPEEKING UP ! ALSO, YOU CAN START UP A GROUP TO DO FUND RAISING. I KNOW OTHERS FEEL AS STRONGLY AS YOU DO ABOUT SAVING GOD'S HORSES. GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU AGAIN.
Posted by: SASHA | September 24, 2008 05:11 PM
Ban it!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Lori | September 26, 2008 02:49 AM
i have worked at a horse track, reluctantly. i needed a job. i was a teller.i've seen horses brought out on the track who had to be dragged to the paddock and fought not to go into the gate. fear in their eyes. i've seen jockeys whip the crap out of a horse to make it run faster than it wanted to. have seen at least 3 horses break down from that. it's all about money. yes. the horses get fed well, vet care, woop-de-doo. any animal deserves that much. i also have seen a jockey punch his horse when he lost. this is a dark dismal industry for the horses.there are some things i'd rather not share,,,,,very sad.
hail to barbaro and sweet eight bells and all the others.
Posted by: kirste | September 26, 2008 05:17 AM
I just can't understand how peple can be so cruel and awful..I think we should do the same thing to them so they can feel what they put these poor creatures through!!!! I say, enough of being polite and gentle! these people don't feel the pain they inflict to these poor animals and we should talk to them and act with them like they use too with theses poor things!!! horses have always been here to help mankind through allhis daily taks and this is how we thank them?? you can just all you people who makes every single animal suffer go to hell and burn in it!
Posted by: mason alexandra | September 27, 2008 07:25 AM
Unless a person is a true horse enthusiast you could never really know both sides of the spectrum in the real horse and owner world. There are so many horse sports that the horse is mistreated for money. Racing is just the most popular. There's cutting, reining, roping, jumping and just plain old showing. All of these sports are hard on a horse, but they are also jobs horses have been doing for hundreds of years. Most horses like and need jobs just as the working dog. These animals are bred for it. It is the human that doesn't know when to say when. it is the human that takes advantage of our majestic friends. My uncle owned and trained many race horses. But he was also very intune with his horses. He never pushed the envelope and he loved his horses very much. The welfare of the horse always came first. So there are two sides to every story. Abuse happens in every horse sport. As soon as the horse can no longer perform and make money they are kicked to the curb. Man's obsession with money has led to these attrosities. Maybe we need to pay attention to the breeders of the world. The number of horses just in the u.s alone is huge. Or maybe we need to stop complaining and really do something about it, like I did. I rescue horses.(Racehorses included) I don't make money--every bit of money I have goes into the welfare of my rescued horses and dogs. Let's remember for every ugly human that within his soul has the apptitude to abuse a horse, is a caring, concerned person that has an enlightened soul to dedicate their life to the most incredible creatures to walk this earth.
Posted by: jennifer | September 27, 2008 03:52 PM
I LIKE HORSE RACING--THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL CREATURES. THEY NEED TO FINE OWNERS AND OTHERS WHO DRUG HORSES AND THE WHOLE INDUSTRY NEEDS TO BE REGULATED TO THE MAX,
Posted by: carol | October 8, 2008 11:46 AM
i think it is not nice to put a hores in risk so why do people take that risk
Posted by: lucia | October 26, 2008 10:57 AM
dear peta i think your web is
very very good. i think horses
are buitful and need a good home, they are looked after very well because i have seen. not to be mean
Posted by: lucia gialluca | October 27, 2008 12:24 PM
hi i love horses and think they need to be looked after well when they are retird and not just put on the scrap heep when they can't do thier job anymore. what do you think?
Posted by: lucia | November 14, 2008 10:50 AM
when i whant to grow up i whant to be a jocky but i fell sorry 4 the poor horses how don't get looked after
if you whant to email me plz do tell me what you think at lucia.gialluca@hotmail.co.uk thank you oh peta your the best
Posted by: lucia gialluca | January 8, 2009 01:23 PM
You people need to quit ragging on horse racing, it's not as bad as you make it out to be race horse people care deeply for their horses. they are a very expensive investment, and nobody in their right mind would do anything to harm such an expensive investment. you act like its something the horses chose not to do, but I don't understand how you could think that, there is no horse out there that would keep on running if he were injured badly. also, how do you think a 110 lb jockey could make an at least 1000 lb horse do what they want, they can't!!!!!!! If they don't wanna do it the jockey can't make them. The horse is much more the ruler of the option on wanting to run or not, they can get the jockey off their back any time they want.
Posted by: T | February 20, 2009 07:59 AM
my mums horse is a race horse and we will never let her be hurt we love her so much
Posted by: lucia | March 8, 2009 07:04 AM
my mums horse is a race horse and we will never let her be hurt we love her so much
Posted by: lucia | March 8, 2009 07:04 AM
why why why do they have to do so horribel things
Posted by: loo loo | May 9, 2009 02:21 PM
i am training to be a jocky i have saved 13 x race horses that where not in good condision but now i can see a good inprovement in a race horses life if you would like to help horses pleas go on to this website www.free.horses.pain.com
Posted by: hannah | August 19, 2009 03:25 AM