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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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| For Immediate Release Thursday 28 May 2020 Where Are 3,000 Horses Going Each Year? CPR Asks New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) have compiled a report on the number of thoroughbred horses vanishing from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) each year and the numbers are staggering. Read here. In January 2020, NZTR issued a complaint against the Whanganui Chronicle after CPR estimates of approximately 2,500 horses dying each year were published by the media outlet. The article was promptly edited to remove the statistic and an investigation was launched by the New Zealand Media Council. More here. Since this time CPR has done further research to find the number of horses unaccounted for by NZTR each year is greater than originally proposed. “Over 11 years, from the 2007/2008 racing year to the 2017/18 racing year, our research indicates the number of horses unaccounted for each year has been anywhere between 2,459 (2007/08) to 4,165 (2008/09).” CPR Communications Director Kristin Leigh stated. “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” Ms Leigh said. “Similarly to Australia, the number of horses bred into the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing industry each year is the approximate number of horses who vanish from the industry each year without a trace” Ms Leigh said. CPR’s report has also found that there are many inconsistencies on statistics regarding the movement of horses between the various New Zealand reports and even larger inconsistencies between New Zealand reported statistics and those from other countries. “We have had to use various industry resources to gather the data, often having to rely on international racing bodies, as NZTR is simply not providing consistent data. Where the data is provided, it often contradicts international bodies data or even their own” Ms Leigh said. “On reviewing the data provided regarding the import and export of NZ thoroughbred horses by both NZTR and various international bodies, it is difficult to believe any of the racing authorities has sufficient knowledge as to where these horses are going at all” Ms Leigh said. Regarding the traceability of retired racing horses, the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing website states: Individual thoroughbreds can be easily identified by their brands and microchips listed in the New Zealand Studbook. However, it is difficult for New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing to maintain reliable information on the location and ownership of horses that have been retired and re-homed with unlicensed owners, given unlicensed owners are not subject to NZTR regulatory oversight. Attaining ‘whole-of-life traceability’ for the New Zealand thoroughbred population is an objective which faces practical limitations (Source https://loveracing.nz/welfare/population-traceability) “The average lifespan of a horse is 25-30 years. The average time a horse is used for racing is 3 years. It is simply unacceptable for the industry to wipe their hands of their responsibility to these individuals once they are no longer of use to them and is yet another example of how bringing living beings into the world for the sole purpose of making profits will in most cases lead to unethical outcomes once those profits can no longer be made” Ms Leigh said. Point 28 in the findings by the NZ Media Council reads “Statements of fact and opinion were advanced by the protest group. NZTR said the group was misinformed but the statements were not directly contested so it is not clear where the facts lie.” “In light of our recent findings we welcome any further evidence that can possibly be provided to us on the numbers and whereabouts of these horses” Ms Leigh said. “Horse racing supporters must consider what the likely outcomes are for over 3,000 unwanted horses each year and assess whether they want to continue to support an industry that not only forces these horses into years of isolation, being pushed well beyond their limits and using implements such as whips, bits, spurs and tongue-ties, but also routinely discards the very horses their industry could not exist without” Ms Leigh concluded. CPR has also recently launched an online petition calling on the New Zealand government to redirect the recently announced racing industry bail out of $72.5 million to innovative, sustainable and cruelty-free industries. More here. ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com |
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| For Immediate Release, Tuesday 19 May 2020 NO BAILOUT for New Zealand’s Dying Horse Racing Industry The New Zealand public and thoroughbred animal rights groups are disappointed at the recently announced $72.5 million payout towards animal abuse. The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) have launched an online petition (here) to pressure the government to withdraw its recent $72.5 million racing bailout and redirect taxpayer funds into essential services and innovative, sustainable and cruelty-free businesses. CPR are shocked and angered to hear of the large bailout for what is a dying industry for the country. “The public are angry that their tax money is being spent on a sport that hurts and exploits animals for entertainment, and baffled that racing is even considered an essential sport at a time when New Zealanders’ priority should be their health and their lives.” Said CPR Wellington spokesperson Frances Baker “There are no kings in racing, just tired and abused horses. Horse racing is 21st century legalised cruelty, and it belongs in the history books” she said. “Money, as the saying goes, is like a bird with wings – it can fly away if you are not careful. This injection of cash by the Government to a sunset industry is an ill-advised plan that has probably come about because of pressure by Winston Peters.” Ms Baker said. A quick look at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Annual Reports over the past decade will show that horse racing has been in financial decline for a number of years. The younger generation are more concerned about animal rights than their parents and grandparents were, and no longer see a need to attend an event or gamble on putting innocent beings’ welfare at risk. “Studies have shown that while horses are being flogged to win money for their owners, they are bleeding deep in their lungs, having heart attacks, and breaking bones. Ninety percent of racehorses are affected by equine gastric ulcers. This is beyond disgusting and shocking, and we would all agree that we wouldn’t treat our pets the way we treat these horses both on and off the track.” Ms Baker said. CPR highlights that there are not sufficient retirement/rehabilitation homes for the amount of thoroughbreds that are bred and that thousands of horses remain unaccounted for by the racing industry each year. As well as horses who are sent to slaughter after they fail to perform, CPR asked NZTR what happens to those who don’t make the cut and never make it to the track? How many are killed offsite for financial gain? NZTR informed CPR that they simply did not know. “We are a land of ‘Rugby, Racing and Beer’, apparently. But not anymore. Just because horse racing has been a kiwi institution for so many years doesn’t make it acceptable in the 21st century – just like using animals in circuses or rodeo is now unacceptable. Times change.” Ms Baker said. You can find CPR’s petition here: http://chng.it/4WsKZSfXbP “Our petition calls for government to urgently withdraw the racing industry’s bailout package and redirect the funds to essential services and innovative, sustainable and cruelty-free businesses models.” Ms Baker said. ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com |
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| For Immediate Release, Friday 13 March 2020 Protesters thank liquor brand for strong stance against horse racing! What: Horse Racing Kills Protest at Wellington Races Student Day When: Saturday 14 March 2020, 12pm Where: Wellington Racing Club, 10 Racecourse Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) sends thanks to Part Time Rangers for taking a strong stance against the use of animals in racing.Since the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses in this article accused Part Time Rangers of selective compassion for sponsoring the Wellington Racing Club, the alcohol company has come out very strongly in opposition to horse racing stating: “We are in no way affiliated with the Wellington Racing Club or the Wellington Cup event, or any animal racing event and this particular outlet did not seek our permission to associate with our brand by having our name on their website, or giving away our product to their guests. We are not, and will not ever sponsor any event that is associated with animal racing. We were offered an opportunity to ’sponsor’ this venue late last year, and in return, they offered to stock our products at all their events. We turned this offer down, as it does not align with our values. The venue, however, has an account with our wholesale distributor and has been able to order product under their account. After we were made aware of the use of our logo on the racing website (by Stuff), we requested they remove it – to which they actioned immediately. We also asked our distributor to stop supplying this venue and any other on track animal racing venues.” “We are very pleased to see Part Time Rangers ensure their brand has no future association with any venues that use animals as objects for racing” said CPR spokesperson Frances Baker. “We are also very grateful to them for their commitment to ocean and wildlife conservation”. Of course the protest against horse racing itself will still go on tomorrow where Wellington Racing Club will see anti-horse racing protesters demonstrating outside the main entrance. Activists will be holding placards and banners with confronting images of the cruel reality behind horse racing as well as using a PA system to educate the public and calling on racegoers to reconsider supporting this so called ‘sport’. “Attending the races to party also involves supporting horses being flogged to run beyond their physical capabilities. As studies have shown, they will most often bleed deep in the lungs whilst being forced to run for their lives. Injuries are common, often resulting in premature retirement or death. This is obvious animal abuse under the guise of a sport”. “Recently we have seen investigations at an abattoir in Queensland, Australia which revealed horrific practices where horses were subjected to abuse. In one year, 4,000 innocent racehorses were killed at this one slaughterhouse alone. When we bet on horses, we are betting on their lives by funding this cruel industry. I think people would be shocked to learn of the numbers of sentient horses that are killed annually for pet food and for financial gain in New Zealand.” “We want students to think twice about attending a horse racing event. There are other cruelty-free events they can go to for a good day out. It is not a party for the animals. We are starting to see the younger generation turn away from using animals for entertainment and the racing industry is responding by targeting them more actively.” “At least nineteen horses were killed on New Zealand racetracks last year. How is it allowed that a form of entertainment and gambling to have an acceptable death toll?” ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com |
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