Death of Horse at Kentucky Derby Brings Calls for Reform
May 12th, 2008 • Posted in: NewsCritics say racing industry could do more to protect animals
LEXINGTON, Ky.
The death of filly Eight Belles immediately after the Kentucky Derby has raised ethics questions about the nature of horse racing, according to press reports.
Eight Belles broke both ankles after passing the finish line and was euthanized on the track.
Lindsay Rajit, a spokeswoman for People of the Ethical Treatment of Animals, claimed that “money and speed is all that matters to these people, and Eight Belles is the most famous recent example in a string of broken and dead animals,” according to an Associated Press report.
Others have said that what happened to the filly was a freak accident, reminiscent of mishaps in all sports at all levels, the Washington Post reports.
The U.K. Guardian notes that the world press reflected an outpouring of anger over thoroughbred racing, with some critics contending that horses were overbred and over-raced to the point where their bodies cannot withstand the strain.
In an editorial, the San Jose Mercury News — located in California, a state that is home to a $4-billion horse racing industry — called for reform.
“This is a sport that needs to clean up its act,” the editorial says. “Horse racing standards in Japan and throughout Europe are stricter than in the United States, especially in regard to drug use. It’s incredible that this country doesn’t even have a national organization to govern the sport. Each state has its own rules, and questionable practices by horse trainers are common. The Kentucky Derby still doesn’t test horses for steroids, and its hard, dirt-track surface may have contributed to Eight Belles’ death.”
Sources: Guardian, May 9 — Washington Post, May 9 — AP, May 9 — San Jose Mercury News, May 9.
For more information, see: Related Newsline story, Apr. 28 — Related Newsline story, Feb. 18 — Related Newsline story, Feb. 11.
Print This Story
Email This Story
[...] more information, see: Related Newsline story, May 27 — Related Newsline story, May 12 — Related Newsline story, Apr. 28 — Related Newsline story, Mar. 17 [...]