Hundreds of racing horses die every year on the track in the US. One of the latest victims was Wanztbwicked, a 3-year-old thoroughbred that broke down last month as he raced towards the finish line at the Saratoga racetrack. He was so crippled from exhaustion he had to be euthanised on the spot.
He was the third horse to die in the last two months at the famed racetrack and and one of 50 horses to die in New York since the beginning of the year.
One of the main reasons for such a high death rate is the unregulated use and administration of drugs on the animals. Handlers give their animals drugs to cover up their injuries or give their horse an edge but they actually push their horses beyond their physical ability. This leads to serious injuries often resulting in euthanasia of the animal.. The lack of drug regulation in racing does a disservice to the these beautiful animals and to the spectators who wish to watch a clean, healthy race.
Right now we have a chance to change how racehorses are treated by supporting the Horseracing Integrity Act of 2017 (H.R.2651) which would create a new Horseracing Anti-Doping and Medication Authority and uniform racing medication rules. It further helps to reduce deaths by barring the use of any drug 24 hours before a race.
Help clean up the dirty industry of horse racing and save these amazing animals. Sign the petition and ask Congress to pass the (H.R.2651). Horses brings so much joy into our lives, let's make sure theirs are protected.
