In a recent Instagram post on May 17th, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) launched a poignant video, shedding light on the grim reality of horse racing. With over 5,000 likes and a powerful caption, “Horse racing can never be entirely safe—but here are 12 things the industry can do to spare horses NOW,” PETA once again raises crucial questions about the welfare of horses in the racing industry.
The video showcased the harrowing moments of a racehorse’s fall, serving as a stark reminder of the perils these majestic animals face in the pursuit of human entertainment.
Outlined in the post were 12 vital rules that PETA believes could drastically improve the safety and well-being of racehorses:
Ban All Medications: Prohibit all medications for two weeks before a race to prevent masking injuries.
Prioritize Recovery: Allow injured or sore horses sufficient time to recuperate before training or racing.
Implement CT Scan Equipment: Equip all tracks with cutting-edge CT scan equipment to detect injuries early, akin to standards in human sports.
Switch to Synthetic Tracks: Replace dirt tracks with high-quality synthetic Tapeta, known to reduce horse fatalities.
Enforce Strict Bans: Bar trainers with multiple medication infractions or those who harm horses from participating.
End Whipping: Abolish the use of whips, acknowledging the cruelty inflicted upon the animals.
Protect Juveniles: Eliminate timed sprints for 2-year-olds in training auctions to prevent endangering immature bones.
Transparency in Statistics: Ensure transparency in reporting fatality statistics to the public.
Prevent Slaughter: Prohibit the sale of horses to foreign racing entities that may send them to slaughter.
Aftercare Responsibility: Mandate substantial contributions to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for retired racehorses.
Regular Testing: Conduct frequent and random out-of-competition testing to prevent abuse.
Centralized Medication Control: Establish a central pharmacy at racetracks to regulate medication use.
PETA acknowledges in the post that these rules represent the minimum necessary action to address the systemic issues within the horse racing industry. However, they emphasize that immediate action is imperative to safeguard the lives of these animals.
To Support their cause and advocate for the welfare of racehorses, individuals can sign PETA’s petition here.
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