Horse racing has a reputation as an elite, elegant sport, but the industry causes much mental and physical suffering for young and old animals.
Each year, about 15,000 foals are bred for racing, and are put through intensive, stressful training from age two. While in training, horses are confined to individual stables for much of the day, where they often develop unnatural behaviors such as fence-biting and self-mutilation. The animals are also fed grain diets which differ from their natural grazing diet and usually cause gastric ulcers.
The stress of racing itself leads to torn ligaments, fractures, internal bleeding and other injuries. Older and injured horses are usually sent to slaughter.
Horse racing is also dangerous for jockeys involved. Very recently, a 26-year-old jockey named Simone Montgomerie was trampled to death when she slipped from her horse's saddle during a build-up race to the Darwin Cup.
Please sign the petition to end the cruel sport of horse racing in Australia.
We, the undersigned are concerned about the welfare of animals and jockeys involved in horse racing.
Each year, about 15,000 foals are bred for racing, and are put through intensive, stressful training from age two. While in training, horses are confined to individual stables for much of the day. Out of boredom and frustration, they develop unnatural behaviors such as fence-biting and self mutilation. The animals are also fed grain diets which differ from their natural grazing diet and usually cause gastric ulcers. The stress of racing itself leads to torn ligaments, fractures, internal bleeding and other injuries. Older and injured horses are usually sent to slaughter.
Horse racing is also dangerous for jockeys involved. Very recently, a 26-year-old jockey named Simone Montgomerie was trampled to death when she slipped from her horse's saddle during a build-up race to the Darwin Cup at Fannie Bay Racecourse.
We respectfully urge you to end all this suffering and ban horse racing in Australia. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
