Criticisms of Horse Racing
When Eight Belles had to be euthanized for condylar fracture after finishing second at the Kentucky Derby in 2008, public outcry over the inhumanity of horse racing grew to fever pitch. Just two years earlier, in 2006 at the Preakness, Barbaro broke down and most committed racing fans and critiques as well, also remember the deaths of Ruffian and Go for Wand.
Deaths like these have branded horse racing as "cruel to animals" or promote the "mistreatment of animals." Yet, it isn't only when these deaths occur that have earned the Sport of Kings a bitter reputation among groups who promote the welfare of animals. They cite abuses, particular of the highly stressful conditions that racehorses are subjected to before and during any competition. Trainings that test the limits of the equine, particularly their respiratory functions are seen as forms of torture that no horse should be subjected to. As a consequence, Furosemide more commonly known as Lasix, a diuretic, have to be administered to relieve the pressure build-up in the blood vessels of the lungs that reduce a horse's chances of developing Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH), a common problem among racehorses.
Aside from these concerns, other criticisms include poor living conditions and other forms of abuse during training to make a particular horse run faster. Others also cite the fate that awaits retired Thoroughbreds who aren't useful anymore-- they end up in slaughterhouses as human or dog meat.
These are just some of the criticisms that the Sport of Kings have to contend with. While these may be valid, ardent defenders of the sport point out that deaths on the racetrack are not a common, everyday occurrence. The use of Lasix has also been medically-approved and while training may push the limits of an equine to his limits exercise-wise, it is no more than the necessary regimen that all racehorses have to undergo. And unlike the cruel picture that others would like to paint, trainers and jockeys don't abuse their horses aside from simply riding them hard on the track, which is, essentially what horse racing is all about. Racehorses are given the best of care that includes healthy and nutritious food and routine veterinary check ups prior, during and after any race
The Sport of Kings, like any other sport, isn't inherently cruel nor barbaric. It's just that the tragedies get more television coverage than the good aspects of horse racing. And that's what triggers the onslaught of undeserved criticism.
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