Saturday, June 7, 2008

WAR Calls for Ban of Horse Racing at Belmont Stakes

On Saturday, June 7, 2008, activists with Win Animal Rights joined area activists and other kind and compassionate people to protest the running of the Belmont Stakes held in Elmont, New York. Approximately 100 people gathered at the main entrance to Belmont Park to commemorate the death of filly Eight Belles, who suffered a catastrophic injury just after the running of the Kentucky Derby, first race of the prestigious Triple Crown series. Eight Belles suffered two broken front legs when she crumpled forward after finishing the race at Churchill Downs. A makeshift curtain was unceremoniously pulled around the suffering horse and she was euthanized right there on the spot.

Activists held signs, some black and white and others with full color pictures marking atrocious deaths at racetracks including the most recent death of Eight Belles. Signs called attention not only to the danger of injury; but also to the fact that race horses are often sent to slaughter when they are no longer producing a profit for their owners. Such was the case for a former Kentucky Derby winner, Ferdinand. Ferdinand went from his Kentucky Derby blanket of roses to an ignominious end as a transported and slaughtered animal who ultimately ended up as meat for foreign markets.

Other signs called attention to the fact that horses are inbred for speed as opposed to durability, routinely fed a diet of steroids, made to race with injuries medicated with strong painkillers and otherwise treated cruelly for the sake of human profit and greed. Some animal welfare activists called for changes to the racing industry. Animal rights activists from WAR called for a Ban on Horse Racing because they adhere to the principle that animals are not ours to use and they are not here for our entertainment.

Although the protest was silent and non-confrontational as requested by the primary organizers, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals the large graphic signs were helpful in getting the message across. War activists appreciated the opportunity to take advantage of free transportation to the track, not mention the free bagel and juice breakfast.

Statement from WAR: WAR is saddened and sickened by the callousness and corruption of the racing industry. Big Brown, the horse that was favored that day to win the first Triple Crown in 30 years, finished the race dead last. He was run with a hoof injury, having been transported first from Kentucky and then from Maryland to New York. The world witnessed a horse that was tired and who did not want to run. We commend his jockey, Ken Desormeaux, for doing the right thing and not forcing him to run a race that Big Brown did not want to run. WAR is calling for a complete ban on horse racing. When WAR activists return to Belmont, we will not be smiling and waving. Count on that!