Media Release Tuesday 6 February 2024:
The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) has made enquiries to Racing Victoria to find out the details of new local rule LR94C that was implemented Feb 1, 2024. The new rule makes it illegal for trainers and owners to send racehorses directly to slaughter at a knackery or slaughterhouse.
“This rule has all the markings of a PR stunt designed to give the impression that racehorses will be protected – yet the slaughter of racehorses will continue,” said Elio Celotto, Campaign Director for CPR.
When CPR contacted Racing Victoria to ask for further details about how the new rule would be effective, it became clear that there is no mandatory penalty set as is the case with many of the welfare rules and penalties are set on a ‘case by case’ basis.
“It’s simply not good enough. Without clearly defined rules and penalties, this local rule will do nothing to prevent horses being sent to slaughter.”
While the racing industry hides behind the fact that they no longer have jurisdiction over horses who have left the industry, the slaughter of thousands of racehorses around the country will continue unabated:
“The simple fact is that once a horse is sold or given away to someone outside the industry, Racing Victoria by their own admission have stated they no longer have control over what happens to the horse. As horses are often sold through a ‘middleman’ anyway, this law changes nothing. A horse could still be sold today and end up at a knackery tomorrow,” said Elio Celotto.
When CPR contacted Racing Victoria, CPR also asked how the new rule was to prevent the horses that are ‘rehomed’ via a sales yard from being sold to a kill buyer:
“While Racing Victoria in conjunction with Racing Australia already require the details of the first new owner of any horse that leaves the racing industry, they have every opportunity to ensure that the new owner agrees not to sell the horse for slaughter – and that kill buyers are prohibited from purchasing a racehorse via a sales yard. Except this loophole is not covered in the new rule,” Elio Celotto said.
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I wonder if literally housands of beautiful horses are slaughtered every year – would there ever be enough homes for them to go to even if they were rescued.
Is there an Australian equivalent of ‘Horse rescue Heros’ an American group who attend slaughter auctions and rescue up to 25 horses at a time.
I know Brumbies are also a contentious issue because of their numbers and the damage they are doing to the Australian bush. Again – there seems no viable solution to rehome them.
Banning Racing altogether seems a bridge too far. It’s just not going to happen. Although public education (say n up to the cup) seems be catching on – public information is very limited – most people think horses love being belted around a track in the searing heat -the fact that they have to be pushed into the starting stalls, whipped and blinkered makes no connection.
Limiting breeding numbers would be impossible to police, just as tracing these animals though the system appears to be. I can only think that an increase in public education would mean fewer race supporters, would mean fewer horses bred. Who knows – the media need to change their attitude – not broadcasting racing on special racing channels. Airing exposes on the slaughter pipeline and the cost of betting on Australian society as a whole – the damage it does to families.
Random thoughts. Keep up the great work. I have left a Will legacy. Kind regards. Julie Slight.
Thank you so much for your support, Julie!
Surely in this day and age we can have better care and accountability for all race horses both in the industry and retirement. Also time we once again legislate against the use of the whip. Many countries banned the
Whip. years ago why can’t the Australian Racing Industry do the same.?? Just another unnecessary cruelty against a horse who is out there already doing its best.
I wish I had a magic wand or millions of dollars because the first thing I would do is save these horses and dogs. I just cannot understand the cruel side of humanity.