On Monday, February 25, the Woodbine Entertainment Group announced that any owner or trainer that is found to cause horses previously stabled in Ontario to be sent for slaughter will be denied stabling privileges at Woodbine.
The announcement came from WEG Vice President of Thoroughbred Racing Steve Koch, who noted in the release that WEG also recognizes that horse euthanasia is an alternative to having a horse suffer from malnutrition and lack of care.
The Woodbine Entertainment Group is a supporter of the humane treatment of the equine. The organization has a proven track record of support for both the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society and the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society.
In its Monday release, WEG stated that it does not support the inhumane treatment of horses that are unfortunately going for slaughter, adding that "horses must be protected from unnecessary suffering."
To view a copy of the WEG release, click here.
(With files from WEG)
Is this Horse Welfare Policy
Is this Horse Welfare Policy extended to those who ship in to race at WEG or just those stabled at Woodbine?
This is for the TB's because
This is for the TB's because in Ontario there was only 2 tracks to race at FE and WDB. Now that FE has closed there is only 1 track left. I know most of the TB's return every year BUT what about the standardbreds? what will happen to the 100's of horses that will no longer be racing when tracks start closing? Will the st.bred follow the same lead as the TB? if so who will foot the bill for boarding and feeding all these animals ?
This is a great step
This is a great step forward!
But this has little to do with the government or what has happened over the past year and is a step that should've been taken years ago.
Look what the Paul Godfrey
Look what the Paul Godfrey and the government are responsible for. A little over a year ago we would not believe a statement like this could possibly have been made. I feel that the majority of racing people would rather cut off their arm as slaughter their horses. BUT the fact remains that many horses are going to have their lives shortened considerably because of the SARP decision. We can't possibly race for the small pittance that the panel is offering the remaining tracks and we all have families to support and bills to pay . What did the government think would happen. I hope all involved do the right thing for their equine friends. I don't know how many of you believe in God and an after life on this earth or in heaven but I believe that these politians will suffer greatly someday for these hateful decisions. I was going to say that Duncan, McGuinty Godfrey and all of the rest responsible for this destruction would come back as a race horse in their next life, but, that would be way too good for them. It is only just that they come back as a fly and be forced to live in the manure pile. That would be fitting.
This is wonderful news. ALL
This is wonderful news. ALL tracks should follow suit!