Ask the UK Government to Protect Horses From Abuse in the Racing Industry

The British Horseracing Authority is responsible for the welfare of horses used for racing in the UK, but around 150 horses die here each year in the industry. At PETA, we’re supporting our friends at Animal Aid in urging the government to set up an independent regulatory body for horse welfare that would take meaningful action to prevent horses from dying in the industry.

©Liss Ralston

If the group’s e-petition garners just over 20,000 more signatures in order to reach its goal of 100,000 by 13 August, it’ll be considered for debate in Parliament. Although the government has said it “does not consider that it is necessary to create a new body to protect racehorse welfare”, horses are dying in terrifying accidents on the track, week in and week out. Urging the government to reconsider its position and appoint a new regulator for British horse racing would help protect horses from abuse and a painful death.

The racing industry forces horses to run at speeds of more than 30 miles per hour while carrying a rider on their backs. The animals don’t enjoy this ordeal or get a thrill out of crossing the finish line. Rather, they are whipped into submission and end the race sweating and exhausted, often with debilitating injuries – if they survive at all.

While PETA doesn’t support the use of animals for entertainment in any way, signing Animal Aid’s petition could help prevent more horses from becoming victims of the money-driven horse-racing industry.