Here is the reaction for the Humane Society of the United States. Although I'm not sure if I agree with everything in the post, at least he is using it as an opportunity to comment on the industry as a whole and the realities of the sport. A much better way to approach it, in my opinion, then how PETA is handling the situation.
"The tragic death of Eight Belles, as discomfiting and disturbing as it was, is unlikely to reorder our priorities. We'll say a few words about horse racing, as do the commentators and industry press, but we'll return to our priorities in a couple of days. But that's a mistake for us all. This industry has not had a rigorous critic to set it in the straight and narrow, and major problems have grown and festered. It's time for the thoroughbred industry to deal with its problems, and if it does not, animal advocates may well decide they can no longer continue to give the industry a free pass."
You can read more of his response on his blog entry, http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2008/05/horse-racing.html.
4 comments:
Matt,
The racing industry does have to get its act together, but that will only happen if the folks who are racing these horses take a stand.
Horses are raced far too young, but that is another whole issue. Polytrack is supposed to be a step in the right direction, but I personally think that one of the leading causes of accidents is their young age and pushing them too hard and too often.
I was happy to learn today that the United States Equestrian Federation, will be holding a safety meeting shortly to discuss how to make eventing much safer. This is a huge step. Since two horse were fatally injured recently and a promising rider also hurt seriously, it was reassuring to learn that they are getting serious about making the sport of Eventing a lot safer.
Thanks so much for posting your thoughtful entries about this tragic event with Eight Belles.
The death of Eight Belles after finishing second at this year's Kentucky Derby is a horrible reminder of the toll race horses have taken recently in an increasingly dangerous sport.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest and most effective animal protection organization.
It's time for the thoroughbred industry to deal with its problems.
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