The Dark Side of Racing: Animal Cruelty Exposed
Behind the glamour of the racetrack lies a darker truth – the alarming instances of animal cruelty suffered by horses and greyhounds involved in racing. These magnificent animals, celebrated for their strength and speed, are often subjected to conditions that compromise their well-being.
Horse Racing: The Struggle Beyond the Finish Line
While the racing industry may captivate audiences with its thrilling events, the toll on racehorses is often overlooked. From rigorous training regimens to questionable medical practices, many horses face physical and emotional strain, leading to injuries and, in some cases, fatal consequences. At AnimalKIND, we delve into these issues to raise awareness and advocate for change.
Greyhound Racing: Chasing the Truth
Greyhounds are gentle dogs who would usually prefer to have a snooze on the couch if given the choice between exercising or sleeping. Sadly, these dogs are primarily regarded as a commercial resource and so when they race, too often they are running for their lives. If not up to speed – literally – these gentle animals very often pay the ultimate price. From overbreeding to substandard living conditions, many greyhounds suffer before, during, and after their racing careers. AnimalKIND aims to highlight these concerns, urging a reconsideration of industry practices to prioritize the well-being of these remarkable animals.
The life of racing “athlete”
Both horses and greyhounds sustain injuries as a result of training and racing. Steward reports regularly include musculoskeletal injuries, including serious bone fractures - often fatal - and other types of injuries such as seizures, abrasions, heat stress, cardiac arrests. Injuries, when not fatal, necessitate suspension from racing, which has financial implications for owners/trainers. Many greyhound trainers will have dogs euthanased for economic reasons, despite having treatable injuries, and horses will be rehomed, often facing an uncertain future.
Off the track, their lives aren’t any better. Both horses and greyhounds are considered ‘livestock’ for the purpose of animal welfare standards and are not afforded the same legal protection as companion animals.
Our Mission: Advocating for Change
AnimalKIND is opposed to the use of horses and greyhounds in racing because of significant animal welfare issues. These animals are bred specifically to race and the industry is profit-driven so this places potential financial gains over the welfare of the animals. Greyhounds and horses often suffer injury, pain and distress as a result of racing and the absence of independent oversight of the industry further intensifies our concerns.
AnimalKIND also has concerns regarding gambling and the associated financial and family burdens. We also believe that this industry should not be subsidised by the government nor supported by business and we are strongly opposed to the construction and expansion of racing tracks. We support a ban on horse and greyhound racing in Australia.
What are we doing?
- AnimalKIND, alongside Animals Australia, uncovered widespread "live baiting" within the Australian greyhound racing industry. The footage was aired on Four Corners on 16 February 2015.
- On 19 February 2015 we launched greyhoundcruelty.com web site with Animals Australia and GREY2K USA Worldwide to further expose "live baiting" and pressure sponsors and the government to take action.
- We successfully led a campaign against the greyhound track at Slacks Creek, Logan. The campaign has received much media attention and raised the profile of greyhound racing issues in Queensland, especially in the Logan area. In late 2021, a PCYC was officially opened at this site instead - a great win for the local community and the animals.
- We work with the Coaltion for Protection of Racehorses and the Coalition for Protection of Greyhounds, as well as other anti racing organisations to actively campaign against the industry.
- We hold regular protests including annual protests outside the Magic Millions and the Melbourne Cup
- We monitor stewards reports for the Queensland Racing industry to highlight the huge amount of deaths and injuries associated with racing
- We continue to investigate and expose the cruelty and waste of life associated with this industry.
What you can do?
- Never bet on greyhound or horse racing. The industry is driven by financial gain so ongoing profits means ongoing cruelty to animals.
- Learn about the true nature of greyhounds and consider adopting one of these beautiful animals.
- Join us at a future protest or rally. Follow us on Facebook to be alerted when we arrange an event.