5 Horses Die Racing in Ireland

Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages HorseSense reports in their newsletter of 1/8/12 1/8/12:

Five young horses died last week at Leopardstown Race Track whilst Racing. This follows a similar incident where six horses died at Tramore track in Killarney a few years ago. In Sligo two years ago a horse collision at Cullenamore Races resulted in a horse having to be put down and two jockeys rushed to hospital. The collision occurred in front of hundreds of spectators. Laytown is remembered for the pile up of horses in the nineties when three horses were killed. While these fatalities are described as ‘freakish’ ‘sad’ and ‘regrettable’ the number of injuries and deaths is rising because horses are raced and made jump.

While these fatalities are described as ‘freakish’ ‘sad’ and ‘regrettable’ the number of injuries and deaths is rising because horses are raced and made jump. There is immense suffering involved in this so called sport that is veiled by its glamorous façade. Sport for who we ask? Definitely not the horses that are whipped around the courses, many resulting in injuries and deaths, an unknown tally killed in slaughterhouses when they are no longer winning. Commercial horse racing is a ruthless industry motivated by financial gain and prestige. Sadly the best dressed unthinking woman at the races is promoted more than discussion about the inherent cruelty. Please subscribe to a less cruel activity to pass your free time, sign our petition to end horse racing on http://www.petitiononline.ie/petition/end-horse-racing-.../1307 Cruelty? You can bet on it! We call on Minister for Sport Leo Vradakhar to instigate an investigation into Horse racing accidents immediately and to end this animal violation based on the vast cruelty that is inherent in Horse Racing. • HSI is the governing body for equestrian sport and receives funding through the Irish Sports Council. It has come under scrutiny recently after the Irish show jumping team failed to qualify for the London Olympics and there is a likelihood its funding will be cut further. In addition, Ireland’s ability to breed top-class horses for the changing demands of show jumping has collapsed, with the Irish studbook ninth in the world rankings. Press Officer AFAR, 0872651720

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/101172