Spring Carnival sponsors need to hear from you! Take action here.
This is why.
Just two weeks prior to the 7:30 investigation exposing the horrific slaughter of thousands of racehorses that sent shock-waves through most Australians, CPR had been in contact with several companies and organisations in regards to their sponsorship of/affiliation with the Melbourne Spring Carnival. In expressing our concerns over this we highlighted the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) these companies and organisations professed to embrace. Sadly, in many instances, horse racing flies in the face of these responsibilities. It is as if they have conveniently deviated from their CSR for the almighty dollar and the brand exposure to be gotten from associating with horse racing.
However, it’s not just animal cruelty that makes a mockery of their CSR commitments. Despite these commitments having an underlying theme of making the world a better place and helping to create stronger communities, it appears that this is conveniently ignored too, considering gambling (that, along with animal cruelty, horse racing is predicated on) has serious consequences for the community.
There are many companies and organisations involved with the Melbourne Spring Carnival and we didn’t have the time to contact all of them. Also, getting in contact with the relevant people proved to be harder than anticipated, thanks to hierarchical structures and lack of information regarding contact details on homepages and when making telephone contact.
We did, however, manage to contact twelve, including some of the major sponsors. In some cases we were ignored so a follow up e-mail was sent but we continued to be ignored in some of these cases.
The responses we did receive were disappointing but not surprising. In fact, some were nothing but industry spin, the usual rhetoric.
Lion (of which Furphy is a brand), after much chasing up, responded claiming the following:
- A focus on the welfare of thoroughbreds before, during and after racing is a priority for the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), the Victorian racing industry and Lion as a Major Partner and Sponsor.
- The Club works closely with all sectors of the industry, as there is a clear need to continue the increased focus into horse safety and welfare.
- The VRC is confident that those involved in racing at Flemington hold the welfare of horses as paramount and works closely with the racing industry body, Racing Victoria, to understand and address these areas.
- Equine welfare is one of the Club’s main priorities and the Club is currently looking at ways to optimise facilities on course for horses to train, race and recover.
- Racing Victoria and the racing industry as a whole are committed to the welfare of horses and have a long-term strategic plan which includes ongoing consultation with industry stakeholders and animal care and protection groups.
You couldn’t make this stuff up!
Asahi (of which Schweppes is a brand) responded with something in the same vein, stating that Racing Victoria and the racing industry as a whole are committed to the welfare of horses and have a long term strategic plan which includes ongoing consultation with industry stakeholders and animal care and protection groups.
Kennedy Luxury Group, after much chasing up, came back with a response that very much blew us off. They said that such issues are a matter for the sports governing body and to this end they recommend we direct our enquiry to Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) or the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), a fine example of passing the buck and not taking responsibility for their own complicity.
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins stated they acknowledge our concerns and appreciate the explanations we gave. They also said they regularly review their various sponsorship agreements and take many factors in to consideration and will take our “views” in to consideration during their next review.
A follow up e-mail asking when their next review will be has been met with silence.
We also approached a few NPOs involved with the Melbourne Spring Carnival including DrinkWise, whose primary focus is to help bring about a healthier and safer drinking culture in Australia, and Very Special Kids, an organisation assisting families with children with life-threatening conditions.
DrinkWise promptly responded and we decided not to pursue this further as it may come off as irresponsible when they are encouraging responsible drinking.
Very Special Kids required a second e-mail to garner a response. They eventually responded by saying the opportunity to be a Victoria Racing Club 2019 charity partner is providing them with an amazing opportunity to raise much-needed funds for their vital work, especially as they are 80 per cent self-funded. They said they take their corporate partnerships very seriously and factor in all aspects when making these decisions.
They also claimed they know that the Club works closely with all sectors of the industry as there is a clear need to continue the increased focus into horse safety and welfare. They said they were pleased to see that the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry continues to lead the way in equine welfare with $350 million spent annually on the training, care and welfare of racehorses in Victoria, equating to more than $40,000 per horse per annum.
They ended their message by stating Victoria’s race day fatality rate is among the lowest in world racing.
Bumble, who originally responded with something completely unrelated demonstrating they had not even bothered to consider the contents of our email, have since (according to the SMH) donated $130k to Racing Victoria’s Off the Track program. Horse racing is an industry that generates $19 billion in betting turnover alone. It must be asked, why Bumble are donating large sums to an industry built on horse exploitation and suffering when there are countless not-for-profit organisations across Australia in desperate need for funds to actually end animal abuse and address other important social justice issues?
Unfortunately the City of Melbourne are also official supporters of the Melbourne Cup. Each year you will even see the Lord Mayor join the Cup Eve parade. We have only just sent emails to each councilor and we look forward to their response. Randwick (NSW) Councillor Philipa Veitch will be putting forward a motion for the Randwick Council to express their strong condemnation to cruel horse racing practices and to cease all further involvement in racing events at Royal Randwick racecourse. We would like and expect the City of Melbourne to follow suit, including the Lord Mayor Sally Capp withdrawing from the Cup Eve parade.
Lexus, Myer, Seppelt, and Pallion (ABC Refinery, who makes the Melbourne Cup trophy, is the refining division of Pallion) have not taken the courtesy of responding despite two attempts at reaching them. Grinders Coffee responded after the 7:30 investigation aired expressing interest in talking to us. We look forward to speaking with them.
As you can see, these companies need to hear from you so that they are made aware that you do not accept their support of this animal abuse industry. Please head on over to our TAKE ACTION page, where in just a few seconds you can easily get in touch with these companies and express your concern.
Note: It is important to reiterate that our emails detailing the inherent cruelty and systemic slaughter of horses in the racing industry were sent out to these companies and organisations prior to the damning 7:30 investigation. The Sydney Morning Herald has since reported ‘Major Sponsors Pressure Horse Racing Bodies Over Horrific Footage’ (read here). Sadly, they are still refusing to withdraw their support. They need to hear from you. Take action here!
David Kaminski says
I hope the sponsors decide to show community leadership by publicly withdrawing support for this cruel industry.
Rowena Ollis says
Please reconsider your sponsorship of cruel, corrupt horse racing.
Show the same integrity as sponsors of athletes who have brought their sport in to disrepute.
As long as your company supports this dirty industry, I will not be purchasing any of your products.
Jo Wilson says
Ugggghhh what a cop out …the VRC are taking care of the horses. No they are not! How much evidence do you need from many various sources before you will acknowledge the truth about this dreadful industry. The inhumane slaughter of these horses is only one thing there are so many more atrocities the animals are subjected to. In other words these sponsors just dont care, making money is there sole objective and nothing else matters.
Lyn Chalmers says
Murderers. No other word for it. How would you like to end up like this after giving your whole to give money to the race horse trainers and owners. Barbaric.
Jeannette Johnson says
To Myer Melbourne. As someone who regularly bought my Cup outfit from Myer in the past, I see this as a great opportunity for you to take the high ground. Your support of humane treatment of all horses around Spring Carnival time
..real support not just in name only but close consultation with owners, trainers, riders, race officials, etc… will create a new more humane space in which to continue your participation. And I may even feel able to attend another race in which well cared for and trained, beautiful horses can participate and look forward to a well earned and safe retirement. The challenge goes out to you Myer Melbourne.
Rita Costa says
Get with the times
Wanna be respected and an instant hero ?? -drop your support and sponsorship for horse racing. Stand out, be a pioneer (in Australia at least) because more and more companies are standing up against animal cruelty around the world with overwhelming positive responses.
Anyone who supports such a filthy industry based on cruelty and suffering for profits should be embarrassed.
Rita Costa
[email protected]
Christine Talbot says
I am devastated to hear so many company’s support horse racing. Once again it’s all about money. Al these companies will be boycotted by me.
Carmel says
STOP supporting cruelty to animals
Merilyn gallaway says
Goodbye to all of those brands. I can only condone your responses by assuming, that you do not have a lot of time to change the way things are this year. But, maybe next year. Because, I think the thinking people, of Australia, will be watching.
Margot Capuano says
The horrific cruelty in the racing industry must end. The horses are pushed to unacceptable physical limits in their training and racing.
When they are no longer good enough for racing they are slaughtered in the most torturous and violent ways. I implore all sponsors to withdraw their support for an industry that perpetuates cruelty towards such grand and beautiful creatures.
Sponsors really need to question whether supporting the horse racing industry is in line with the ethical standards to which they aspire.
I will no longer be purchasing products from companies that support the racing industry.
Joanne says
Please reconsider supporting the horse racing industry
Maybe donate to the retirement of these beautiful animals instead
Kerry McGrath says
I will be shopping at David Jones, no Myer for me thank you
Andrew says
David Jones are also a sponsor
Michelle says
I was shocked to read the replies by what was once well respected brands and Special kids don’t really understand your stand. It’s amazing sponsors drop athletes if there is a tarnish to their brand but not here. Myer and Furphy once proud to call my local Geelong brands no more. Let’s hope hotels stop selling Furphy on tap
Andrew says
Biggest shock to me is that a local government is involved in this animal cruelty that being the City of Melbourne. What a disgrace. Surely some sort of straying from duty, no due diligence etc.