East Rutherford, NJ – Recognizing the snowballing negative public perception surrounding Thoroughbred racing and, ultimately the imminent threat to our own sport, The Meadowlands has taken the following position regarding horse slaughter and "kill pens"; any person connected with Standardbred racing found to be involved in either practice will be barred for life from participation in any form at The Meadowlands Racetrack.
The ban also includes Tioga & Vernon Downs.
The scrutiny of horse racing has not ebbed, if anything the focus on the welfare of the horses has intensified and is not limited to catastrophic breakdown and ethical treatment at the track.What becomes of horses once their racing career is over is another key component, not only for public perception but because providing a soft landing is the humane thing to do.It is imperative that we as horse people recognize the seriousness of these situations and don't wait until "the horse is out of the barn" to insure the protection of racing horses both on and off the track.The movement to abolish racing in California is gaining momentum and racing interests there are in constant damage control, largely because they have been reactive rather than pro-active.Addressing the current issues surrounding racing at Santa Anita, United States Senator Diane Feinstein has issued the release below that includes the following quote;"…We need to determine what we’re doing wrong in this country and fix it. If we can’t, we need to consider whether horse racing has a future here.”Here are a few other recent reports in mainstream media that illustrate the level of outrage directed at current practices in horse racing from the perspective of those outside of the industry, including a searing indictment run on the popular HBO Sports just last week. Take the time to watch that and see how horse racing is viewed by the general public.
Illinois HBPA Officer Suspended 120 Days After Horse Found In Kill Pen
Along with racetrack deaths, horse racing now has another fear: slaughterhouses
Protesters Call for End of Horse Racing After Latest Horse Death at Santa Anita
Nick Salvi