For Immediate Release, Monday 20 February 2023 

Protesters Outside the Launceston Cup Call for an End to the Barbaric Industry Saying “Nup to the Hobart Cup”

When: Wednesday 22 February, 2023 10am 
Where: Mowbray Racecourse – Jellico Street, Mowbray Heights, Tasmania – main entrance

The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) will join with concerned locals outside the Launceston racetrack urging racegoers to boycott the cup event, saying it is cruel and unnecessary.
 
Currently, there is no clear national definition of what constitutes good welfare and no national welfare standards for thoroughbred horses within the racing industry. Research by CPR shows, on average, 299 thorougbred horses vanish from Tasmanian racing each year. More on that here and here.

Racehorses are still being sent to knackeries, or butchered in backyards, or sent to the mainland to eventually meet the same fate. Tasmanian racehorses were even found at the horrific Meramist slaughterhouse in Caboolture QLD.

Earlier this month, a Racing Australia director quit. In her resignation letter Robyn Whishaw refers to Racing Australia’s failure to adequately respond to an ABC 7.30 investigation exposing the mass slaughter of retired racehorses.

Although the public has long expressed welfare concerns for animals within the industry, a recent animal welfare review by David Sykes on racing in Tasmania found ‘a perception of a lack of trust and transparency’ amongst staff within the racing community.

Quotes attributable to spokesperson for Direct Action Everywhere, Gabby Knox. 

“Racegoers can no longer claim they don’t know about the inherent cruelty they are supporting. The deaths are well documented. Five-year-old mare Rock’em Baby was killed at the Launceston track on 7 December 2022 after she fell, dislodging her rider. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a compound dislocation of her foreleg.

“There have been several documentaries exposing what were once the racing industry’s dirty secrets, less people are supporting the racing industry, yet the government contiinues to use taxpayer money to support it. Now even those within the industry are expressing concern.

“At the end of the day, we are here today to remind people of the animals. They don’t choose this, and by putting your money into this event, you are funding the animal cruelty that will come from today, as well as what is happening around Tasmania.

“On average, at least one horse will die on Australian racetracks every 2.5 days. The party is not worth the toll paid by the horses and the waste of life that ensues. We join the growing Nup To The Cup movement across Tasmania and the rest of the country and call for the end of the Launceston Cup, and all animal racing events”

Ends