MEDIA RELEASE MONDAY 30TH DECEMBER 2024
Animal advocates from Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) and Animal Activism WA are urging Racing WA to abandon the Perth Cup Race Day on January 1st 2025 and avoid horses racing in the 40-degree heat forecast.
“Forcing horses to race in the height of the Australian summer is animal cruelty, prioritising entertainment and gambling above the wellbeing of the animals,” Animal Activism WA’s Emma Madle said.
“On December 21st races in Ascot ran early in alignment with Racing WA hot weather policies to avoid the 41⁰ peak. Despite this change and other cooling protocols at least 10 horses were witnessed exhibiting symptoms of heat stress by an industry worker on site,” Miss Madle said.
On the 21th, the industry worker firsthand witnessed numerous horse handlers frantically bucketing cold water over distressed horses, and horses requiring extended periods of cold hosing. Vets were running from horse to horse with stethoscopes to check their heart rates. Horses were recorded with elevated heart rate, they were kicking out repeatedly with their hind legs, rearing, agitated, and being unsteady on their feet.
Further, the industry worker described how Racing WA failed to adhere to their own hot weather policies.
“Mitigation measures are inadequate to ensure the welfare of horses expected by the wider community. Cancellation is the only way to ensure animals do not suffer more during the extreme heat,” said Miss Madle.
If Racing WA refuses to put the welfare of the horses first and go ahead with the nine races scheduled on January 1st, animal advocates will be gathering outside Ascot Racecourse to speak up for the racehorses.
“Animal advocates will not stand by silently whilst horses are being exploited. Whips, bits and spurs already pressure horses to push beyond their limits, adding heat stress is a recipe for disaster – in addition, consider the time locked up in non-air-conditioned trailers to and from the track,”
“The Perth Cup must be postponed if the industry truly wants to demonstrate they are animal people,” said Miss Madle, who will be coordinating the Perth Cup protest for Animal Activism WA and CPR.
CPR contacted Racing WA, their Stewards and Racing Integrity department to ask that they put action behind their words and spare the horses from suffering in the heat forecast on Perth Cup Day, however, are yet to receive a response.
– ENDS –
Please show compassion for these horses. Racing horses in extreme heat is nothing but cruelty
Definitely cancel the Perth cup day 40 degrees is way too hot for the horses and for the jockeys. The horses will suffer heat stress for sure and some will die from this cruelty.
I thought that there are rules in place not to race on hot days?
This is outstanding cruelty.
How many more horses need to die?