Thirteen thoroughbred horses deemed no longer useful, have been destroyed with eight horses destroyed by firearm at Berkeley Park Stud. A further five horses were transported to Kankool Pet Food for ‘euthanasia, destruction and disposal according to a just released Stewards Decision by Racing NSW.
General Manager for Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, Helle Erhardsen, said the nightmarish scenario is exactly what race goers have been told at demonstrations throughout the Spring Racing Carnival.
Rewarded with a bullet to the head
‘When racehorses are no longer profitable, they are rewarded with a bullet to the head.
‘The practice of treating racehorses like disposable objects is despicable in an industry that can afford millions in prize money and claim to be caring for their horses like kings and queens.’
Ms Erhardsen said although sending racehorses directly to slaughter is prohibited in NSW, it still happens either directly by owners or via a middleman. ‘The reality is it will keep happening when there is still no comprehensive retirement plan for the horses bred and used for profit by the racing industry.’
‘A handful of the soundest and most retrainable ex-racehorses are assisted into a second career, while thousands of others are left with no support and simply disappear.’
Some of the horses were known in racing circles as Acadiens, Starskin, Riverina Bella, Kitty Purring, Tennessee Mischief, Winta Chiller, Mia’s Got Class and Ellsberg/Lustrous.
A registered veterinary surgeon had not certified euthanasia
The Racing NSW report said that: ‘In respect of each horse, a registered veterinary surgeon had not certified in writing that euthanasia was necessary on welfare or safety grounds, Racing NSW had not approved the euthanasia or destruction in writing, and there were no extreme circumstances requiring immediate euthanasia with that decision subsequently confirmed by a veterinary surgeon’.
The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses will keep advocating for the racing industry to take responsibility for all the horses they breed and use and provide them with the safe retirement plan they all deserve.
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