Posted on 05/05/2008 5:15:29 AM PDT by fredhead
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is calling for sweeping reforms and an end to cruelty to race horses after the filly Eight Belles was euthanized at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
The horse was euthanized on the track after breaking both front ankles and finishing second in the race, according to the Associated Press.
The news service had reported yesterday that PETA was calling for the suspension of the horse’s jockey, Gabriel Saez.
The animal rights group faxed a letter Sunday to Kentucky’s racing authority claiming the horse was “doubtlessly injured before the finish” and asked that Saez be suspended while the death is investigated, the AP reported.
(Excerpt) Read more at hamptonroads.com ...
Just a damned shame it couldn't have been Ingrid Newkirk.
As much as I detest PETA, I hope they do investigate what happened. That was the saddest KD ever! It will be a long time before I watch another Kentucky Derby! Just can’t bear it!
Another blow-hard empty barrel organization heard from. Pffft...
Okay... I know when I've been righteously slam-dunked. My hat, sir. ;)
An investigation is in order.
I agree 110% with PETA that horses should not have to endure being used for racing sport. Jockeys should ride PETA members around the track while whipping them...
Why do you want an investigation? Do you know ANYTHING about horses?
Because???????
On pain of being flamed - I’ve been thinking about the comparison of Thoroughbred Racing and other animal blood sports. The plain and simple fact is that these ‘Breakdowns’ happen very, very frequently and it is indicative of pushing these animals to their physiological limits in pursuit of winning.
Don’t know what the solution is but the horse leg is just not equipped to handle the stress that such competition places on it. And it will only get to be a bigger problem as the breeding continues for the perfect racer who is bred for speed that contains this downside.
The only thing I can agree with PETA on about TB racing is the dirt track issue. Tracks that have installed synthetic turf in place of dirt have had far fewer horses put down due to broken legs than dirt tracks. For just one example, the track at Florence KY had an average of 24 horses per season put down due to broken legs or ankles while racing on dirt, and only 3 per season after Polyturf was installed. Synthetic turf is expensive, but so are thoroughbred horses.
Racing is not a bloodsport so your comparison is hogwash on it’s face. However I think you’re right on the money here, “pushing these animals to their physiological limits in pursuit of winning”. The question is why.
Hogwash?
There is a reason that only 3 filly's have won at the KD.
I'll see if I can find a link.
Look up the meaning of “bloodsport”.
The trainer insists that the horse finished second, collapsed after the finish line, and at that point broke both ankles.
The author is clearly promoting the PETA view that it happened the other way around - ankles then finish.
So much for "news" reporters.
Why do owners, trainers, jockeys and horses try to win races?? Ummh, that is a tough one, isn't it?
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