[Greens-Media] Melbourne Cup protest focuses on grim reality of horseracing

[John Kaye]

Melbourne Cup protest focuses on grim reality of horseracing

Media release: 5 November 2013

Activists and concerned community members joined Greens NSW MP John Kaye at a protest in Sydney's Martin Place this morning to highlight the unacceptable treatment of many horses in the thoroughbred racing industry.

Dr Kaye said: "People should enjoy the Melbourne Cup but we encourage them to spare a thought for the thousands of thoroughbred racehorses that are discarded and sent to the knackery each year.

"Many participants in Melbourne Cup celebrations today are blissfully unaware of the grim fate facing thousands of injured and failed racehorses.

"Of the 18,000 foals that are born in Australia each year, 70 percent will never make it on to a racetrack. Many of these horses will end up at the knackery to be slaughtered for pet food.

"While some owners look after their horses after their racing careers, thousands of thoroughbreds deemed to be 'too slow' or economically unviable are either abandoned or sent to the knackery.

"Of those horses that survive to have a racing career, many suffer injury, illness and deprivation.

"Industry practices result in 89 percent of horses suffering from stomach ulcers from high-concentrate diet and lack of access to grazing.

"More than 75 percent of thoroughbred racing horses are driven so hard that their lungs and windpipes bleed.

"Turning a blind eye to animal suffering in the horse racing industry will only ensure that these exploitative practices continue.

"This industry turns over $1 billion in annual TAB wagering sales in NSW yet it routinely dumps injured and failed racehorse when they are no longer commercially viable.

"The thoroughbred racing industry has a responsibility to ensure that the horses they make millions from receive a dignified retirement.

"The Greens are calling for NSW Gaming and Racing Industry Minister George Souris to conduct an urgent review into the regulation of the thoroughbred racing industry.

"It's time to separate promotion from regulation and remove the conflicts of interest that are maintaining unacceptable animal welfare outcomes," Dr Kaye said.

More information: John Kaye 0407 195 455


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John Kaye
Greens NSW MP

P: (02) 9230 2668 | F: facebook.com/john.kaye.mlc<http://www.facebook.com/john.kaye.mlc> | T: @johnkgreens<twitter.com/johnkgreens> | W: www.johnkaye.org.au<http://www.johnkaye.org.au>
Mail: Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

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