On Thursday (May 30), the Meadowlands Racetrack issued a release in regard to horse welfare.
The contents of the statement appear below.
Meadowlands Statement on Horse Slaughter
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 and 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 horsepeople recognize the seriousness of these situations and don't wait until ‘the horse is out of the barn’ to ensure 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 proactive.
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.”
US Senator Dianne Feinstein renews call for suspension of Santa Anita races
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.
Paulick Report on HBO Real Sports
‘Very Survival Of The Sport At Risk’: HBO’s ‘Real Sports’ Examines Racing Fatalities
Paulick Report 2
Illinois HBPA Officer Suspended 120 Days After Horse Found In Kill Pen
Louisville Courier Journal
Along with racetrack deaths, horse racing now has another fear: slaughterhouses
NBC News
Protesters Call for End of Horse Racing After Latest Horse Death at Santa Anita