For Immediate Release, Saturday 4 February, 2023

Anti Horse Racing Campaigners Unite at Taranaki Cup Day to Stand Against Bullying

Who: Taranaki Animal Save and Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses
When: Saturday 4th February 2023 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where: New Plymouth Raceway – Meeting on the grass area on the corner of Rogan Street and Coronation Avenue

A video circulated on social media recently showed an animal rights activist being verbally abused by racing industry staff at a horse racing event in Taranaki on Christmas Eve. The activist, Elin Arbez, was attending the public event as a spectator and was recording footage. She faced a barrage of abuse including unprovoked personal attacks from the clerk of the course, as well as vulgar and degrading sexual comments from a man who appeared to be in a management position.

Please see the uncensored video here

Arbez stated, “It’s little wonder that bullies are so prevalent in the animal abuse industries and their behaviour speaks volumes. It’s never pleasant being the target of misguided attacks and outdated slurs, but at least my life isn’t put at risk, unlike the 13 horses who were killed on New Zealand race tracks last year or the 270 who suffered injuries.”

After the video went public, the Racing Integrity Board received complaints about the spectacle and as a result, Ms. Arbez has received an apology from the Board. A representative assured her that the racing staff involved “had been reprimanded” and that she should not expect a repeat of the behaviour.Regardless of the apology, animal rights activists and Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses campaigners from around Aotearoa have decided to travel to New Plymouth to stand with Arbez and other Taranaki Animal Save activists outside Taranaki Cup Day on 4th February, as a mark of solidarity and to take a public stand against bullying, towards both horses and humans.