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Horse racing death

Secret Chief

nirvana is samsara
The Grand National horse race took place yesterday in the UK. A horse called "The Long Mile" became the 54th horse to be killed at the event since 2000. Isn't it time to ban this cruel race?
 

Altfish

Veteran Member
The Grand National horse race took place yesterday in the UK. A horse called "The Long Mile" became the 54th horse to be killed at the event since 2000. Isn't it time to ban this cruel race?
It is certainly getting more difficult to justify it in its current form.
Banning it is a bit drastic but reducing numbers in the race and making the fences easier would be a good start.
 

ChristineM

"Be strong", I whispered to my coffee.
Premium Member
The Grand National horse race took place yesterday in the UK. A horse called "The Long Mile" became the 54th horse to be killed at the event since 2000. Isn't it time to ban this cruel race?


This call goes out every time a horse is injured or killed and nothing is done about it. Perhaps its time the organisers took some responsibility.
 

Secret Chief

nirvana is samsara
Did the organisers get rid of a particularly bad fence a few years ago? (Presumably as a result of public pressure)
 

RestlessSoul

Well-Known Member
Every living thing dies.

In the long history of humanity's close relationship with other species, I doubt there have been many creatures better cared for by man than racehorses. These animals get the best of everything, and compared to even the best looked after farm animals, their existence is not far from idyllic.

The organisers have been making the fences easier and safer for years. It's impossible to eradicate risk completely.
 

stvdv

Veteran Member: I Share (not Debate) my POV
The Grand National horse race took place yesterday in the UK. A horse called "The Long Mile" became the 54th horse to be killed at the event since 2000. Isn't it time to ban this cruel race?
I don't know, isn't that the same as the death with taking vaccines ... a very small percentage? How many horses raced in those 21 years, 54 died

Best is to ask the horse, if (s)he likes to race, then by all means let her. If (s)he tells you "NO", then you might need to consult a doctor:D
 

Secret Chief

nirvana is samsara
I don't know, isn't that the same as the death with taking vaccines ... a very small percentage? How many horses raced in those 21 years, 54 died

Best is to ask the horse, if (s)he likes to race, then by all means let her. If (s)he tells you "NO", then you might need to consult a doctor:D
Exactly. Humans choose for themselves whether or not to take a vaccine, horses do not get to choose whether or not to race (or to be a commodity in the industry). According to the British Horseracing Authority, about 200 horses die each year in the UK, directly because of racing.

- Horse deaths at racecourses reach highest level for six years

- 'Staggering' Death Toll Of British Racehorses Revealed Ahead Of Cheltenham Festival
 
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stvdv

Veteran Member: I Share (not Debate) my POV
Exactly. Humans choose for themselves whether or not to take a vaccine, horses do not get to choose whether or not to race (or to be a commodity in the industry). According to the British Horseracing Authority, about 200 horses die each year in the UK, directly because of racing.
I fully agree. Though the last part of my previous reply was a little joke, I was serious about the first part "only do it if the horse wants it". I don't like to impose on others, be it animal or human. And definitely not kill animals, hence I choose to live a vegan life. IF I would die because of that, so be it, but of course I won't, because vegan is a perfect way to live for the average human; would relieve the earth of a huge burden in the process.
 

RestlessSoul

Well-Known Member


This article is about horse racing in the USA. Lasix is a banned substance in the UK (ditto Ireland and France). Nor do horses in Europe run on dirt, they run on turf, or on artificial surfaces designed to cushion the impact of the runners.

Besides, I don't think the author of the article has made much of an effort to be objective or impartial, do you?

It could be argued that there is an element of cruelty in all animal husbandry - particular breeds of dogs are bred in such a way that infirmities become endemic to the breed, often causing the animal distress in life. Bulldogs, for example, often have difficulty breathing.

Horseracing wouldn't emerge blameless from honest scrutiny (the author of that article could never be accused of honest scrutiny), but I stand by the assertion that the standards of animal welfare in a horseracing yard in Britain, where the GN takes place, is likely to be as exemplary as you will find anywhere in any industry where animals are involved.

If you don't believe me, go and visit a racing yard. If you live in the UK there's probably one near you, and most have open days.

You can tell when a horse is happy and well by the way, they give off all sorts of signals.
 

Secret Chief

nirvana is samsara
I fully agree. Though the last part of my previous reply was a little joke, I was serious about the first part "only do it if the horse wants it". I don't like to impose on others, be it animal or human. And definitely not kill animals, hence I choose to live a vegan life. IF I would die because of that, so be it, but of course I won't, because vegan is a perfect way to live for the average human; would relieve the earth of a huge burden in the process.
S'ok, I knew u woz joshin.
 

Secret Chief

nirvana is samsara
This article is about horse racing in the USA. Lasix is a banned substance in the UK (ditto Ireland and France). Nor do horses in Europe run on dirt, they run on turf, or on artificial surfaces designed to cushion the impact of the runners.

I have posted links to both the UK and the US. The issue of cruelty is not confined to one country, clearly.

Besides, I don't think the author of the article has made much of an effort to be objective or impartial, do you?

No doubt their own perspective as with any other person or organisation. I still think there are facts to be gleaned.

It could be argued that there is an element of cruelty in all animal husbandry - particular breeds of dogs are bred in such a way that infirmities become endemic to the breed, often causing the animal distress in life. Bulldogs, for example, often have difficulty breathing.

I agree. I am opposed to producing breeds for pets. As with horseracing, it reduces the animal to a saleable commodity where profit often trumps health and welfare concerns. This is well known, at least in the UK.
 

pearl

Well-Known Member
Horse racing in the States is all about money, gambling. We did do away with dog racing but horse racing just to big a business.
 
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