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| For Immediate Release, Wednesday 10 March 2021 Protest at Wellington Student Day at the Races – At least six horses killed on track already this year What: Protest – Student Races When: Saturday 13th March 2021 11:30 – 13:30 Where: Cnr Sutherland Drive and Fergusson Drive, Heretaunga, Upper Hut (outside Children First Early Childhood Centre) Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) will have a strong presence outside the Wellington Racing Club this Saturday protesting Student Day at the Races. “People, particularly the younger generation, are increasingly turning their backs on horse racing due to the suffering and deaths inflicted on the horses it uses. The industry knows this, so intentionally markets days to students, to lure them into supporting animal abuse and developing gambling habits” said CPR spokesperson Frances Baker. This Saturday, the Wellington Racing Club is offering live music and free transport to the races whilst also using the facade of glamour in the hope that students will turn a blind eye to the fact that it is a day of misery for these sentient beings. “Students are naturally enticed to the idea of a party, which would normally be great, but not when it is in support of an industry that abuses animals for entertainment and profit. A train ride and dance floor cannot make up for the fact that horses are suffering from injuries and being killed behind the scenes. It’s not a party for the animals”. Baker said, “If we really take a hard and honest look at what these horses have to endure, and reflect on how they are being controlled by humans to run for their lives – literally, would students really want to support this dying sport? Horse racing is a blood sport and it’s 21st century legalised cruelty.” “The regulatory impact statement released by The Treasury admits that generational change is behind the demise of the racing industry as we are continuing to see a big shift in consciousness towards using animals for entertainment.” “University’s including Victoria and Massey and their associations VUWSA and MAWSA , as well as Whitireia and Weltec have an opportunity to encourage students to re-think their choices. There is no excuse in this day and age to support this so-called ‘sport’ that harms animals whilst causing problem gambling, ruining the lives of individuals and their families. Our tertiary education providers need to be setting an example and leading the way when it comes to practices that belong in the history books.” “There are plenty of places to go and have a good time in Wellington. Don’t attend the races on Saturday because we all know it’s not OK for society to hurt animals” Baker said. ENDS Editor’s notes The real truth about horse racing – what the industry will not tell you: *Horses are fed concentrated diets leading to stomach ulcers. *They display unnatural stereotypical behaviours because they are kept up to 22 hours a day in stables. *They are forced to run for their lives, putting them in danger whilst being whipped by a human on their back, leading to heart attacks, lameness and fractures. *Science shows us that whips hurt horses. *Studies show that approx 90% of horses bleed deep in the lungs due to exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage. *Horses are being unnecessarily killed on and off the track. *Approx 3,000 horses are disappearing from the NZ horse racing industry on a yearly basis. In 2020 we saw: 12 Deaths 473 Occassions of excessive whip use 147 horses were fractious 263 total injuries 149 serious injuries 41 horses were found bleeding from the nostril because of being raced too hard For More information: horseracingkills.com horseracingkills.com/2020/05/19/new-zealand-wastage-estimates/ |
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| For Immediate Release, Thursday 11 March, 2021 Animal Rights Activists Target Auckland Cup Day – Six horse deaths on track already this year! What: Protest against Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day When: Saturday 13 March 2021, 11am onwards Where: Ellerslie Racecourse, 100 Ascot Ave, Remuera, Auckland Six horses have already been killed on New Zealand racetracks this year, with thousands more suffering from systemic animal abuse. The Auckland Cup Day is what we call FuCup Day. Every year on Auckland Cup Day, people dress up at this racing event at Ellerslie Racecourse. “This race day offers people a day to party, including events for children – while innocent animals are facing a high risk of injury and death. By glamourising animal cruelty, this event is desensitising people, including young children, from a terrifying truth.” said Aya Oba, spokesperson for the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) NZ. A number of activists will be at Ellerslie Racecourse to stand against the mistreatment of horses and be dressed up to prove that fashion and entertainment don’t need to cause harm to animals. “This year, we have already recorded 6 horses killed, and a total of 71 injuries including 37 serious injuries (as at 9/03/2021) on New Zealand racetracks.” “These deaths were publically justified as being in the name of so-called entertainment.” Plenty more horses vanish behind the scenes from racing related injures or for simply not being fast enough. “More shockingly, approximately 3,000 New Zealand thoroughbred horses are ‘unaccounted’ for on a yearly basis” Ms Oba said. More here. “The industry authority offers no information on where these thousands of horses go each year and refuse to take any responsibility.” “While people are enjoying bubbles and fashion, there are horses bubbling from their mouth, and sometimes being raced to death. While people are betting, horses are going through Russian roulette for their life.” “We are opposed to horse racing. We believe many kiwis are kind-hearted and love animals but not many are aware that there is animal cruelty in the horse racing industry. We are against animal abuse and exploitation. Who isn’t? That’s why we will be protesting to raise awareness – so people can make a conscious choice about what they want to support. ” “If you want to have ‘fun’, you don’t need to be part of animal abuse. There are other opportunities that don’t involve animal cruelty that are still fun. It is not a party for the horses. If you love horses, you should never support horse racing” ENDS For More information: Coalition For The Protection Of Racehorses (CPR) – horseracingkills.com CPR NZ Campaigns – horseracingkills.com/campaigns/new-zealand-campaign Documentary ‘The Final Race’ – https://www.abc.net.au/7.30/the-dark-side-of-the-horse-racing-industry/11614022 ‘One Year On’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a499zfQh7Lc&feature=youtu.be |
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| For Immediate Release, Monday 15 February 2021 Horses left dead on beach whilst races continue on – the plight of horses used and abused for entertainment Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) are saddened but not surprised to learn of two horses who were killed and dumped on the beach on December 28 whilst the Tolaga Bay Races continued.  More distressing photos available here. Spokesperson, Frances Baker said, “Right in front of the crowds eyes at this family event was the shocking and devastating reality of using horses to race, one whom broke both their legs and the other who had a heart attack. This happened whilst families cheered and betted on their lives.” “This is no different to the horses suffering on a regular basis on the racetrack, except that the beach races were not as prepared to hide the bodies with green screens and quickly drag them away. Heart attacks and fractures are common in racing.” She said, “After being shot in the head, those horses were not given the dignity they deserve and were left dumped on the beach without cover very close to the shore.”  “NZTR had issued the betting licence for this event. Again, NZTR have blood on their hands. Deaths on and off track are common when using animals for entertainment.” “This is what happens when you bet on animals. If these were two puppies there would be public outrage.” Baker said, “one day we will look back on this so called ‘entertainment’ as cruel, barbaric and outdated. There are so many cruelty free events to attend.” ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com horseracingkills.com/2020/05/19/new-zealand-wastage-estimates/ |
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| For Immediate Release, Sunday 31 January 2021 Harcourts Have Blood On Their Hands at Wellington Cup Day, a day of carnage R.I.P Rock on Wood who was killed in the events feature race, the Harcourts sponsored Thorndon Mile. He was six-years-old. His death occurred whilst Coalition of the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) NZ were protesting just outside, warning attendees about this very thing and holding signs stating Harcourts Kills Horses, which is exactly what happened. Protest images here – credit to Alan O’Brien/CPR NZ (contact CPR for more images and hi-res versions). “We are devastated to learn of the death of Rock On Wood but by no means surprised” said CPR Wellington spokesperson Frances Baker. “Horses are often killed on the racetrack due to being pushed too hard for gambling profits.” CPR NZ tried to reach out to Harcourts to discuss the negative impacts of horse racing prior to yesterdays event but their request was rejected by the managing director stating, “I have no wish to discuss this further”. Now they have blood on their hands. Rock on Wood suffered a fracture and was ‘humanely euthanised’. “Fractures, along with heart attacks are common causes of death in horse racing and one of the many reasons why it is now considered to be 21st century legalised cruelty.” “Even our Deputy Prine Minster Grant Robertson was there in support of this blood sport.” Ms Baker said. “If individuals were being killed in any other form of entertainment the public would be up in arms about it and the governmnt would be forced to respond, but in the case of horse racing, they fund it.” “During another race; a punter walked onto the track and stood in the front of the incoming horses. It was described as a ‘horrific scene’ by the attendees but what the public neglect to realise is that horses’ lives are at risk each and every time they are forced to race” Ms Baker said. “Media coverage is swarming with photos of the man who walked onto the track and even of the two naked men who were running in between races, whilst completely ignoring the death of Rock On Wood, who lost his life for gambling profits. His death should have been paramount”. ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com horseracingkills.com/2020/05/19/new-zealand-wastage-estimates/ Editors’ Notes The real truth about Horse Racing – what the industry will not tell you: *Horses are fed concentrated diets leading to stomach ulcers. *They display unnatural stereotypical behaviours because they are kept up to 22 hours a day in stables. *They are forced to run for their lives, putting them in danger whilst being whipped by a human on their back, leading to heart attacks, lameness and fractures. *Science shows us that whips hurt horses. *Studies show that approx 90% of horses bleed deep in the lungs due to exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage. *Horses are being unnecessarily killed on and off the track. *Approx 3,000 horses are disappearing from the NZ horse racing industry on a yearly basis. In 2020 we saw: 12 Deaths 473 excessive whip use 147 horses were fractious prior to racing 263 total injuries 149 serious injuries 41 horses were found bleeding from the nostril because of being raced too hard |
For Immediate Release, Saturday 30 January 2021 Harcourts Supports Animal Abuse – Activists Protest at the Harcourt Wellington Cup What: Protest Harcourts and Wellington Cup Day When: Saturday 30th January 2021 11am – 1pm Where: Cnr Sutherland Drive and Fergusson Drive, Heretaunga, Upper Hut (outside Children First Early Childhood Centre) Harcourts Real Estate’s support of the Wellington Cup demonstrates they are a major sponsor of animal cruelty and gambling problems, which flies in the face of the core values of their charitable arm – “people first, doing the right thing, and being courageous“. Harcourts Foundation have been supporting charities since 2008; they state that they change lives and make dreams come true, and we are certain that this is the case for many individuals and businesses, but that should never give a free pass to also support industries whose very foundations are based on abuse and suffering. Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson, Frances Baker stated, “Corporate social responsibility is for progressive business models to contribute to the well-being of communities, but what about non-human animals?” “Harcourts Foundation sponsor Wellington Racing Club, a club that will sell you the facade of glamour, whilst betting on innocent sentient beings that are forced to run for their lives, suffering from injuries or even dying horrifically on track for people’s entertainment.” “Horse racing is considered 21st century legalised cruelty and it is losing it’s social licence. So much so, it has been on a financial decline for many years, relying on a bailout to recover from the Racing Industry Transition Agency’s $45 million debt.” The Treasury’s own regulatory impact statement on racing industry reforms funded by taxpayers, recognises that generational change, the loss of social license and competition from other forms of entertainment, are behind the decline of the racing industry. Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses NZ tried to reach out to Harcourts to discuss the negative impacts of horse racing but their request was rejected by the managing director stating, “I have no wish to discuss this further”. “Despite providing information and resources to help educate and highlight the plight of a racehorse, they would rather turn a blind eye and continue supporting a so-called ‘sport’ that belongs in the history books.” “Just because Harcourts have supported Wellington Racing Club for nearly 140 years does not mean it needs to continue, just like the other once accepted practices that have taken place in the past and are now strongly frowned upon such as the use of animals in circuses, rodeos and aquariums.” “Last year, Park Rangers were shocked to discover their drinks were being stocked at Wellington Racing Club (an error made by their wholesale distributor) and stated, ‘We are not, and will not ever sponsor any event that is associated with animal racing’, turning down the offer of having their drinks supplied and promoted as part of the one of the club’s promotional deals for a special event.” “Also, back in 2019 we approached a well-known company and advised them about what they were contributing to, they then cancelled their contract with Wellington Racing Club, another sign that the world is changing. Perhaps it’s time for Harcourts to reassess what they should be supporting and instead support cruelty free events instead” Ms Baker said. ENDS Editor’s notes The real truth about horse racing – what the industry will not tell you: *Horses are fed concentrated diets leading to stomach ulcers. *They display unnatural stereotypical behaviours because they are kept up to 22 hours a day in stables. *They are forced to run for their lives, putting them in danger whilst being whipped by a human on their back, leading to heart attacks, lameness and fractures. *Science shows us that whips hurt horses. *Studies show that approx 90% of horses bleed deep in the lungs due to exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage. *Horses are being unnecessarily killed on and off the track. *Approx 3,000 horses are disappearing from the NZ horse racing industry on a yearly basis. In 2020 we saw: 12 Deaths 473 Occassions of excessive whip use 147 horses were fractious 263 total injuries 149 serious injuries 41 horses were found bleeding from the nostril because of being raced too hard For More information: horseracingkills.com horseracingkills.com/2020/05/19/new-zealand-wastage-estimates/ |
| For Immediate Release, Thursday 24 December 2020 Animal Rights Activists ‘Glam Up’ to Protest the Boxing Day Races What: Activists ‘Glam Up’ at Ellerslie Boxing Day Races When: Saturday 26 December 2020 – 11am Where: Ellerslie Racecourse, 80 Ascot Ave, Remuera, Auckland “Auckland’s biggest ‘PARTY’ is shameful and contributes to animal abuse” said Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson Aya Oba. This year we have seen: 456 cases of excessive whip use 136 horses were fractious prior to racing 254 total injuries 144 serious injuries 40 horses were reported to be bleeding from the nostrils from being raced 12 deaths – at least (many deaths caused as a direct result of race day injuries go unreported) Additionally, approximately 3,000 New Zealand thoroughbred horses are unaccounted for on a yearly basis. (Report available here). People dress up and attend the race at Ellerslie Racecourse on Boxing Day – in the name of entertainment and so-called sports. This event gives people the opportunity to ‘glam-up’ and have a ‘fun’ day out. Activists will also be dressed up at Ellerslie Racecourse to raise awareness on the mistreatment of horses. “Injuries and death of horses in the racing industry are common practice because the horses are treated as a commodity for profit. The harm occurs both on the racetrack and behind the scenes.” “As one example, it is standard practice that when racehorses are no longer profitable, many are sent to the knackery. Thousands of thoroughbreds in Aotearoa are going missing on a yearly basis – and all these deaths are for the revenue of gambling and entertainment.” “We are opposed to horse racing. While people are enjoying bubbles and fashion, there are horses bubbling from their mouth, bleeding in their lungs and being raced to death. While people are betting, horses are going through Russian roulette on their life.” “Glam up events don’t justify supporting animal cruelty. We want people to think twice about attending and supporting racing events. There are cruelty-free events that you can still enjoy with family and friends. It is not a party for the horses.” “You bet, they die. Your support of this event is support of animal cruelty” Read about our New Zealand campaignhere. Watch CPR’s latest documentaryhere. ENDS Additional racing facts: Horses are fed concentrated diets leading to stomach ulcers. They display unnatural stereotypical behaviours because they are kept up to 22 hours a day in stables. They are forced to run for their lives, put in harms way whilst being whipped by a human on their back, leading to heart attacks, lameness and fractures. Studies show that approx 90% of horses are bleeding deep in the lungs (exercise induced pulmonary haemmorhage) from being pushed too hard. Horses are being uncessarily killed on and off the track. For More information: horseracingkills.com horseracingkills.com/2020/05/19/new-zealand-wastage-estimates/ |
| For Immediate Release, Thursday 3 December 2020 Animal Rights Activists Target Christmas Races What: Protest at the Christmas Races When: Saturday 5 December 11am – 1pm Where: Cnr Sutherland Drive and Fergusson Drive, Heretaunga, Upper Hut (outside Children First Early Childhood Centre) Eleven horses have died on New Zealand racetracks so far in 2020 (that we know of – the industry will do it’s best to protect it’s reputation). Five were directly from jumps racing (a scene of carnage and barbaric practices). This year we have seen 411 cases of excessive whip use, 112 horses were fractious prior to racing, there were 226 total injuries, 122 serious injuries and 31 horses were reported to be bleeding from the nostrils from being raced. Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson Frances Baker said, “Many New Zealanders don’t realise the suffering that horses endure because of this brutal ‘sport’. We need people to be educated on the negative impacts of forcing animals to run for their lives for entertainment. It’s time that Aotearoa woke up to the actual horrors of horse racing.” Baker said, “Ringling Bros closed their doors after 146 years of abuse, Seaworld ended the captive-breeding of orcas in Florida, greyhound racing is now illegal in most states of America and journalists are now reporting horse racing to be as bad as rodeos or circuses. It’s time for the public to re-think about what they’re really supporting when they go out.” The truth of the horse racing industry was exposed across the globe last year when ‘The Final Race’ aired. Baker said, “There would be a massive uproar if we saw someone torturing an animal on the streets, so why are we turning a blind eye to the horses who are treated as commodities because of the racing industry?” Baker said “When horses are not dying on track in the name of gambling and ‘having a great day out’, many are killed behind the scenes simply for not being profitable. Approximately 3,000 New Zealand thoroughbred horses are unaccounted for on a yearly basis” Report available here. Read about our New Zealand campaign here. Watch CPR’s latest documentary here. ENDS Additional racing facts:Horses are fed concentrated diets leading to stomach ulcers. They display unnatural stereotypical behaviours because they are kept up to 22 hours a day in stables. They are forced to run for their lives, put in harms way whilst being whipped by a human on their back, leading to heart attacks, lameness and fractures. Studies show that approx 90% of horses are bleeding deep in the lungs (exercise induced pulmonary haemmorhage) from being pushed too hard. Horses are being uncessarily killed on and off the track. For More information: horseracingkills.com |
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| For Immediate Release, Friday 30 October 2020 Jumps Raceday at Wanganui JC Cancelled – Activists Rejoice Wanganui Jockey Club has announced their jumps race day scheduled for this Sunday had to be cancelled. The event, which would have marked the end of the 2020 jumps season, cited lack of entries as the reason, with a total of only fourteen recieved across the four races. Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson Frances Baker stated “Although we were looking forward to taking a team from Wellington to Whanganui to raise awareness about the cruelty of jumps racing, we are ecstatic to learn we will no longer need to. Horses will now be spared the arduous task of being forced to jump obstacles at high speeds and a life or two may even be saved from the decision”. “At least five horses have been killed directly from jumps racing this season. These are just the ones we have heard about. Many more of the injured simply vanish” Ms Baker said. “There is clearly a declining interest in jumps races, even from within the industry itself. It is the perfect time for the government to step in and ban the cruel so called ‘sport’ as has been done in NSW, Australia” she said. “If jumps racing returns next year, CPR will be launching a strong campaign to ban it, and use the awful activity as a clear example of an industry and government that does not at all care about horses, as they claim to, by allowing it to continue” Ms Baker said. RIP those that have died so far in this year’s jumps racing season; Bad Boy Brown – video here – 1:32 Perry Mason – video here – 4:53 Al Haram – video here – not an obvious injury but carnage for many horses across the race Lucky Escape – video here – 1:54 Wagner – video here – 2:59 13 total incidents were due to jumps racing (limb injuries, fractures, bleeding present in noses, lameness) Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses is calling on the new government to ban jumps racing immediately. It is inherently dangerous and inhumane. ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com horseracingkills.com/2020/05/19/new-zealand-wastage-estimates/ |
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| For Immediate Release, Monday 2 November 2020 Auckland Activists Target Melbourne FuCup Day What: Protest against Melbourne Cup When: Tuesday 3 November 2020 – 3-6pm Where: Viaduct and Waterfront and various locations of Auckland’s CBD Every year, many kiwis dress up and ‘party’ on Melbourne Cup Day. Protesters will be present at various locations around Auckland CBD where venues provide screenings and ‘celebration’ for the Cup. “We will also be dressed up to prove that glamour doesn’t require animal abuse. We want to raise awareness and provide facts to encourage people to make conscious and kinder choices – by not betting on or celebrating the horse racing industry” said Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson Aya Oba. “It is the reality that when the horses are no longer profitable, they are referred to as ‘wastage’ and most of them are sent to the knackery. The average lifespan for a horse is 25 – 30 years yet the average time a horse is used for racing is less than three years, leaving thousands every year to become unwanted whilst still very young”. “We released our New Zealand ‘Wastage’ Estimates in May 2020 (read here) and our research indicates the number of horses unaccounted for each year has been anywhere between 2,459 to 4,165. Overall, the approximate number of New Zealand thoroughbred horses unaccounted for over the 11-year period is 35,105 – averaging 3,191 horses per year. All of these missing horses are directly linked to gambling and entertainment revenue.” “We want people to think twice about attending and supporting racing events. There are many opportunities to glam-up and have a good time without contributing to animal cruelty. It is not a celebration or party for the animals.” “It’s your bet and their lives. Horses are sentient, intelligent and majestic beings. Aotearoa has already shown compassion towards animals by legally recognising them as ‘sentient’ beings by The Animal Welfare Amendment Bill in 2015, yet we still contribute to industries which harm animals. We want to ask poeple – do you really want to support animal abuse?” Ms Oba said. ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com horseracingkills.com/2020/05/19/new-zealand-wastage-estimates/ |
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| For Immediate Release, Friday 30 October 2020 Animal Rights Activists Travel to Whanganui To Protest The Last Jumps Racing Event Of The Season – Calling On The New Government To Ban Jumps Racing. What: Protest against Jumps Racing When: Sunday 1 November, 2020 11am – 1pm Where: Wanganui Jockey Club, 19a Purnell Street, Whanganui Jumps Racing – Russian Roulette For Horses Seven horses have been reported as killed on New Zealand racetracks so far in 2020. Five of those horses died directly from jumps racing. The industry will do it’s best to protect its reputation and not report on deaths caused by on-track injuries where possible so the true number is likely much higher. RIP those that have died so far in this year’s jumps racing season; Bad Boy Brown – video here – 1:32 Perry Mason – video here – 4:53 Al Haram – video here – not an obvious injury but carnage for many horses across the race Lucky Escape – video here – 1:54 Wagner – video here – 2:59 13 total incidents were due to jumps racing (limb injuries, fractures, bleeding present in noses, lameness) “We are against jumps racing because it forces exhausted horses to negotiate hurdles, greatly increasing their risk of injury and death. Meanwhile this is promoted as entertainment, as the public place bets on these innocent beings’ lives” said Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson Frances Baker. “Falls are extremely common in jumps racing. In fact, jumps racing is 20 times more dangerous than flat racing. It is immensely challenging for the horse to tackle these high fences, especially whilst surrounded by other horses.” “We all know what happens to the horse when they suffer a fracture. They’ll be ‘humanely’ euthanised – a life cut short because they couldn’t make it to the finish line and make thousands of dollars for their owners. When you actually take some time to think about this situation; it’s shocking that this is taking place in modern society. We are supposed to be civilised.” Ms Baker said. “In most states in Australia they do not support jumps racing. It has been made illegal in NSW and only persists in Victoria and South Australia. Why is New Zealand continuing to stay in the past by flogging these sentient beings and forcing them to run and suffer for people’s entertainment? Jumps racing is simply barbaric and out-dated.” “Overall, horse racing is a stressful practice for them. They’re forced to run at fast speeds, will be whipped to the finish line and approximately 90% will bleed deep in the lungs.” “When horses are not dying on track in the name of ‘having a great day out’, many are killed behind the scenes for not being profitable. Approximately 3,000 New Zealand thoroughbred horses are unaccounted for on a yearly basis.” More here. Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses is calling on the new government to ban jumps racing immediately. It is inherently dangerous and inhumane. ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com horseracingkills.com/2020/05/19/new-zealand-wastage-estimates/ |
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| For Immediate Release, Friday 24 July 2020 Petition Handover & Media Address Outside Parliament with CPR, SAFE and MP Gareth Hughes When: TODAY Friday 24 July 12pm sharp Where: Seddon Statue Area of Parliament House Join us in the Seddon Statue area of Parliament House as the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) Wellington Campaign Manager Frances Baker, SAFE Campaign Director Ilan Goldberg and MP Gareth Hughes address the media and the public in acknowledgement of our petition submission to the New Zealand government. Today at midday sharp, CPR will be presenting their petition, signed by over 10,000 people, calling on the government to withdraw their $72.5 million racing industry bailout package, to Greens MP Gareth Hughes who will later present this to the government on their behalf. “Instead of propping up a dying animal cruelty and gambling industry, the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses and signatories to our petition are calling on the government to instead invest in sustainable, innovative and cruelty-free business models” said CPR spokeperson Frances Baker. We invite the media to be present as Gareth Hughes MP, CPR Wellington’s Campaign Manager Frances Baker and animal protection organisation SAFE’s Campaign Director Ilan Goldberg, make a public address, highlighting the cruelty of the New Zealand horse racing industry and this unacceptable spend of tax-payer dollars at a time when essential services and small businesses are struggling to survive. “Horses used for racing are bred specifically to be trained, ridden and gambled on. The business model is to make profit, and with the mountains of evidence emerging from every horse racing industry around the world, it is clear that the model is not to love horses and give horses a life worth living. “At a time when the options for cruelty-free forms of entertainment are endless, our government we must stop using tax-payer dollars to prop up gambling and the suffering and death of animals” Ms Baker said. You can find our important petition here change.org/NoRacingBailout and please join us in the Seddon Statue area of parliament house to witness our petition handover and media address. Some key facts: Approximately 3,000 racehorses vanish from the NZ Thoroughbred Racing industry each year Racehorses are pushed well beyond their limits resulting in deaths on track, bleeding from the lungs, and painful injuries Fed concentrated high protein diets often resulting in stomach ulcers, horses used for racing are isolated in small stalls for most of the day, unable to graze, often resulting in wood chewing, box walking, windsucking and weaving. Abusive training methods and implements of cruelty such as whips, tongue ties, spurs, and blinkers help to traumatise racehorses and lead to learned helplessness ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com |
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| For Immediate Release, Wednesday 15 July 2020 Citizens Take Their Opposition to the Racing Industry Bailout to the Streets What: Outreach across New Zealand against the racing bail out When: This Saturday 18 July 2020 11am – 1pm Where: Wellington and Whanganui WELLINGTON: In front of the Body Shop on Cuba Street (69 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington) WHANGANUI: Whanganui Market, Taupo Quay, Whanganui Citizens against the New Zealand governments racing industry bailout will take their message to the streets this Saturday. “We will have teams in Wellington and Whanganui taking a stand against the governments $72.5 million bailout to prop up animal cruelty and gambling” Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson Frances Baker said. “We will be speaking with the public to raise awareness about horse racing cruelty and gather signatures for our important petition against the bailout which will be presented to parliament later this month” Ms Baker said. Essential services such as St John’s Ambulance are facing major job cuts to deal with their $30 million deficit, meanwhile a cruel industry that has long been on its knees is being handed a lifeline. “Why is horse racing, an industry that takes lives and is responsible for the breakdown of families due to gambling addiction, being treated as more important by our government than a services which save lives? “This is the question New Zealanders are asking and they deserve answers” Ms Baker said. Just last month CPR released a report demonstrating that over 3,000 horses are vanishing from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) each year. Read the report here. “New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing takes no responsibility for the horses they profit from once their racing days are over” Ms Baker said. “There is zero accountability required. They can use, abuse and discard of as many horses as they please and are given rewards by our government for doing so. This is simply unacceptable and completely out of step with a so-called ‘progressive’ government”. The public can join the CPR outreach teams in Wellington or Whanganui from 11am onwards. More details can be found here. ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com |
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