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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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| For Immediate Release, Monday 9 March 2020 Protest at Wellington Student Day 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 Animal activists target ‘Student Day’ at the races, calling on students to think about supporting animal abuse. On Saturday 14 March, 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’. Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson Frances Baker said today, “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?” CPR is also very disappointed to see Part Time Rangers, an alcohol company who promote wildlife conservation with pictures of animals on their drinks sponsoring the club, as well as The Establishment. “Part Time Rangers seem to be suffering from selective compassion, choosing to support some animals whilst sponsoring the suffering of others, all in the name of gambling and entertainment.” ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com |
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| For Immediate Release Tuesday 3 March 2020 Animal Liberation Activists Target Auckland Cup Day What: Horse Racing Kills Protest at Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day When: Saturday 7 March, 11am onwards Where: Ellerslie Racecourse, 80 Ascot Ave, Remuera, Auckland The Auckland Cup is what we call FuCup Day – as horse racing contributes to animal abuse. Every year on Auckland Cup Day, people dress up for the big racing event at Ellerslie Racecourse. This race day offers people the opportunity to ‘glam-up’ and have a ‘great’ day out while innocent animals are facing a high risk of injury and death. A number of activists will be at Ellerslie Racecourse to stand up against the injustice and mistreatment of the horses in the racing industry. Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson Aya Oba said today; “19 horses were killed on New Zealand racetracks in 2019. These death were unnecessary but publicly justified by the industry in the name of so-called ‘entertainment’. “Death of horses are not just racing-related, there is a number of hidden deaths behind the scenes. Unfortunately, the reality is that standard practice is to slaughter horses when they are no longer profitable. Most are sent to the knackery with what we estimate to be in the thousands of NZ thoroughbreds killed on a yearly basis – and all these deaths are for the revenue of gambling and entertainment” Ms Oba said. “We are opposed to horse racing. Not many people are aware that there is animal cruelty in the horse racing industry. We are against animal abuse and exploitation, and we will be protesting to raise awareness”. “If you want to ‘glam up’, there are other opportunities which don’t involve animal cruelty. We want people to think twice about attending and supporting racing events. It is not a party for the horses. We will also be dressed up to prove the point that fashion and entertainment don’t need to cause harm to animals” While people are enjoying bubbles and fashion, there are horses bubbling from their mouth, often racing to their death. While people are betting, horses are going through Russian roulette for their lives. “Your money is your vote. Your contribution towards this event is directly supporting animal cruelty.” For more information on the truth of the horse racing industry, visit horseracingkills.com and check out the latest documentary ‘The Final Race’ https://www.abc.net.au/7.30/the-dark-side-of-the-horse-racing-industry/11614022 ENDS |
| For Immediate Release, Friday 24 January 2020 Family Day? Protesters say NO to normalising animal abuse What: Horse Racing Kills Protest at the Family Day Races When: Saturday 25 January 10:30am – 12:30pm Where: Wellington Racing Club, 10 Racecourse Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt This Saturday, Family Day Races at the Wellington Racing Club will see anti-horse racing protesters demonstrating outside. Activists will be holding posters and using a PA system to educate the public on the dark side of racing at the entrance of the racecourse calling on racegoers to reconsider supporting horse racing. Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses spokesperson Frances Baker said today, “We are against the horse racing industry because horses are sentient beings and feel pain just as much as a dog or a human. Every aspect of their life before, during and after being used for racing is cruel.” “Bringing children to the racetrack normalises animal abuse and helps the racing industry to ensure future support from generations who are turning their backs on this cruelty.” “The industry lure children in by hosting family friendly activities but behind the fun and games exists a shocking reality for these horses.” “Horses are bred into a lifestyle that is not natural to them. They are whipped and forced to run for their lives, often running out of fear. If a horse can feel a fly, I’m sure that a whip would feel so much worse. Studies have shown that the skin of the horse is sensitive.” “When no longer profitable, they are often sent to the knackery to be turned into dog food. There is also no record of all those foals born that don’t have the temperament or the natural ability and don’t make it into racing.” “We are urging families to think about what they are supporting. It is the families and individuals that attend that are supporting an industry that thrives off problem gambling and animal abuse. If the children could understand what goes on behind the scenes we are confident they would not want to be here” CPR’s Deathwatch Report for 2019 shows that horses are regularly being killed on the racetrack through cardiac arrest, fractures and other injuries. “In 2019, we saw 19 horses lives taken away for this cruel so called ‘entertainment’. The public would be quick to save a cat or dog from pain or death, but in the 21st century, horses are dying under the guise of a sport.” “We want people to think twice about attending a racing event. There are other cruelty-free events that you can go to have a good day out. It is not a party for the animals.” “If you love animals, you shouldn’t go to the races” Ms Baker said. ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com |
| For Immediate Release, Wednesday 8 January 2020 Protest at Wellington Cup Day What: Protest at the Wellington Cup When: Saturday 18th January 2020 10:30am Where: Wellington Racing Club, 10 Racecourse Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt Animal liberation activists will be protesting The Wellington Cup asking the public to consider animal rights when it comes to horse racing in 2020. “We saw 19 horses killed on New Zealand racetracks in 2020” said Frances Baker, Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson. “Horses are being forced to run for their lives and will feel the beat of the stick if they do not go fast enough” “Horses are being used as commodities. They are seen as money making machines as they are pushed beyond their physical capabilities to make sure that they earn their connections big money.” “Exhausted, they are flogged to the finish line placing them at risk of breaking bones, suffering heart attacks and internal bleeding for human entertainment. Studies have shown that 90% of racehorses have blood deep in their lungs.” Other less obvious abuses occur behind the scenes. “Learned helplessness is a psychological condition whereby individuals learn that they have no control over unpleasant or harmful conditions, that their actions are futile, and that they are helpless.” “How can we justify supporting an industry that places animals in these harmful physical and mental states, then often kills them so that we can dress up, get drunk or bet on their lives? It is their body, their lives, not ours.” “We hope that racegoers take the time to sit back and reflect on what is really happening here. They would be quick to save their own pets from harm but here today, in horse racing, animals are put in harms way for a ‘sport’ which is now being considered to be to on the same level as the rodeo and circus” Ms Baker said. CPR is confident that there is a shift occurring in the public. “The younger generation are thinking about animal rights and the use of animals for entertainment.” Ms Baker said. In response, the industry continues to use popular artists to lure the younger generation towards supporting horse racing. “We are disappointed to see that Ladi6 and Stan Walker will be playing at this Wellington Cup. We do not want to see the younger generation be fooled into thinking that it is OK to promote animal cruelty. The public would all agree that they are against animal abuse, but by turning up at the races to see these performers, these actions are not in line with those morals.” CPR is calling on all animal lovers to join them at the Wellington Cup protest from 10.30am to speak up for horse racing’s 2019 victims and the many more to come. ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com |
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| For Immediate Release Monday 23 December 2019 Animal Liberation Activists Target SkyCity Boxing Day Races What: Horse Racing Kills Protest at Boxing Day Races When: Thursday 26th December 11.00am onwards Where: Ellerslie Racecourse, 80 Ascot Ave, Remuera, Auckland Auckland’s biggest ‘PARTY’ is a disgrace and a celebration of animal abuse Every year on Boxing Day, people dress up for the event at Ellerslie Racecourse. In the name of entertainment, this race day offers people the opportunity to ‘glam-up’ and have a ‘fun’ day out. A number of activists will be at Ellerslie Racecourse to stand up against the injustice and mistreatment of the horses used by the racing industry. Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson Aya Oba said today; “We have recorded the deaths of 17 horses from haemorrhages, cardiac arrest and other injuries caused from being forced to race in New Zealand just this year” “Even more shocking, deaths are not just race day related. There are many more hidden behind the scenes. It is standard practice that when the horses are no longer profitable, many will be sent to the knackery. All of these deaths are for gambling profits and entertainment.” “We are opposed to horse racing because we are against animal abuse and exploitation. We will be protesting to raise awareness as not many people know that there is animal cruelty in the horse racing industry” “Glaming up doesn’t justify supporting animal cruelty. We want people to think twice about attending and supporting racing events. There are other cruelty-free events that you can go to for a good time. It is not a party for the horses.” While people are enjoying bubbles and fashion, there are horses bubbling from their mouth, running for their lives. While people are betting, horses are going through Russian roulette. “Your money is your vote. Any contribution towards this event is supporting animal cruelty” For more information on the truth of the horse racing industry, visit horseracingkills.com and check out the latest investigstion ‘The Final Race’ https://www.abc.net.au/7.30/the-dark-side-of-the-horse-racing-industry/11614022 ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com |
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| For Immediate Release Monday 9 December 2019 NZ Racing Kills Four Horses On Track In Three Weeks Horses are dying on track so that the public can enjoy a day out. “Youllbefine, Rockmaster, Cossack Warrior and now Valtteri are the four horses who have been killed on New Zealand race tracks in just three weeks” said Frances Baker, Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson. “The latest unnecessary death took place at Ellerslie Racing Club on Saturday 7th December. Valtteri was “humanely” euthanised. He was only 3 years old. This is sadly another horse that has suffered a fracture as a result of being pushed too hard and beyond their physical capabilities. It’s no surprise as this happens way too often. At a very young age, horses skeletal systems are not fully formed and so easily break. Horses can actually live up to 30 in their natural lives! How can we justify supporting an industry that kills animals for profit so that we can get drunk or bet on their lives? It is their body, their lives, not ours.” We hope that racegoers reconsider supporting this so called ‘sport’. “We are against the horse racing industry because of the inherent cruelty horses are subjected to. Horses are sentient beings and feel pain just as much as a dog or a human. If you were to be caught whipping a cat or dog then you would be in trouble with the law. Horse racing being under the guise of a ‘sport’ should not suddenly make that acceptable. Every aspect of these horses lives revolves around making money and as a result their welfare is compromised.” The racing industry lure party goers through promoting dressing up, live music and ‘unbeatable’ entertainment but when is it a party for the animals? Behind the facade exists a shocking reality for the horses themselves. “It is the industry and the public that attend these events that put these animals at risk of death by heart attacks, fractures and injuries that are not visable such as bleeding deep in the lungs. For 2019, 16 horses have now been killed so that people can enjoy a day out and bet on animals lives. The public would all agree that they are against animal cruelty, but by turning up at the races these actions are not in line with those morals.” “We need sponsors and attendees to think about what they are supporting. Christmas is a special time for families and bringing people together but by attending they are encouraging an industry which thrives off both animal abuse and problem gambling.” While animal rights activists protested last Saturday at the Wellington track, Valtteri suffered a painful injury at Ellerslie which took his life.  CPR is calling on all animal lovers to join them at the Ellerslie Boxing Day Races from 11am to speak up for horse racing’s 2019 victims and the many more to come. For more information on the truth of the horse racing industry, visit horseracingkills.com and check out the latest investigation ‘The Final Race’ https://www.abc.net.au/7.30/the-dark-side-of-the-horse-racing-industry/11614022 ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com |
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| For Immediate Release, Thursday 5 December 2019 Three horses killed in as many weeks! Protest at the Wellington Christmas Races What: Protest the Wellington Christmas Races When: Saturday 7th December 2019 11am – 1pm Where: Wellington Racing Club, 10 Racecourse Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt “Youllbefine, Rockmaster and Cossack Warrior are the three horses who have been killed on New Zealand race tracks in as many weeks” said Frances Baker, Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson. This Saturday, Christmas at the Races, hosted by Wellington Racing Club, will see anti-horse racing protesters demonstrating outside the main entrance in memory of the dead horses. Activists will be holding placards with confronting images of the cruel reality behind horse racing as well as using a PA system to educate the public. They will be calling on racegoers to reconsider supporting this so called ‘sport’. “We are against the horse racing industry because of the inherent cruelty horses are subjected to. Horses are sentient beings and feel pain just as much as a dog or a human. If you were to be caught whipping a cat or dog then you would be in trouble with the law. Horse racing being under the guise of a ‘sport’ should not suddenly make that acceptable. Every aspect of these horses lives revolves around making money and as a result their welfare is compromised.” “On this day the Wellington Racing Club lure party goers through promoting dressing up, live music and ‘unbeatable’ entertainment but when is it a party for the animals? Behind the facade exists a shocking reality for the horses themselves.” “It is the industry and the public that attend these events that put these animals at risk of death by heart attacks, fractures and injuries that are not visable such as bleeding deep in the lungs. For 2019,15 horses have been killed so far so that people can enjoy a day out, get drunk and bet on animals lives. The public would all agree that they are against animal cruelty, but by turning up at the races these actions are not in line with those morals.” Rydges Wellington and Platinum Homes are both supporting this event, which is at the expense of others. “We need sponsors and attendees to think about what they are supporting. Christmas is a special time for families and bringing people together but by attending they are encouraging an industry which thrives off both animal abuse and problem gambling.” ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com |
| For Immediate Release, Monday 4 November 2019 Animal Rights Activists Target Melbourne Cup Day What: Protest against Melbourne Cup When: Tuesday 5 November 2019 11:30-4pm Where: Viaduct and Waterfront (Corner of Hobson and Quay Street), Auckland CBD Every year, while the Melbourne Cup happens in Australia, many Aucklanders dress up and go out for a ‘long lunch & party’ in Auckland. Protesters will be present at Viaduct and Waterfront area in Auckland CBD where a number of restaurants and bars screen and provide ‘celebration & parties’’ for the Cup. “The opportunity to ‘glam up’ doesn’t require you to support animal exploitation” said Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson Aya Oba. Activists will be holding placards and footage with confronting images of the cruel reality behind horse racing, calling on partygoers and members of the public to reconsider supporting the so-called ‘sport’ and ‘entertainment’. “We are opposed to horse racing. The cruelty in the industry has been well hidden and we want to raise awareness in a peaceful yet effective way so that people consider making conscious and kinder choices by not betting on and supporting the culture of horse racing” she said. “‘The Cliffsofmoher was killed after falling mid-race at the 2018 Melbourne Cup 2018, making him the 6th horse to be killed from the day in 6 years. We have already recorded the deaths of 12 horses from haemorrhages, heart attacks and fractures related to horse racing so far this year. All of these deaths are a direct consequence of the demand for gambling and entertainment.” “It’s your bet and their lives. Every aspect of their life revolves around making money in the name of entertainment and as a result, their welfare is compromised.” “These horses are bred into a lifestyle that is completely unnatural to them. They are whipped and forced to run for their lives, often sustaining injuries that can prematurely make them uncompetitive”. “It is the reality that when the horses are no longer profitable, many are sent to the knackery to be turned into dog food, just like so many foals that don’t have the desired temperament or the natural ability so never even make it to the racetrack. The average lifespan for a horse is 25 years. Thoroughbreds are born into this world with the intention of being used for only a fraction of that time, then discarded.” “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.” “Horses are sentient, intelligent and majestic beings. We want to raise questions to people – how do we justify the mistreatment and death of innocent animals? What is worth more, your pleasure or innocents’ lives? We need to end animal cruelty and speciesism” Ms Oba said. Protest location: Viaduct and Waterfront (Corner of Hobson and Quay Street), Auckland CBD) ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com |
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| For Immediate Release, Friday 1 November 2019 Activists Protest the Ricoh Feilding Gold Cup What: Activists Protest the Ricoh Feilding Gold Cup When: Saturday 2 November 2019 11:30am Where: Awapuni Racing Centre – Racecourse Road Palmerston North Activists from Wanganui will be making their voices heard at the Ricoh Feilding Gold Cup, in memory of all the lives taken at the Melbourne Cup. Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson Frances Baker said today, “We are against the horse racing industry because of the inherent cruelty horses are subjected to. Horses are sentient beings and feel pain just as much as a dog or a human. If you were to be caught whipping a cat or dog then you may be sent to jail. Horse racing being under the guise of a ‘sport’ should not suddenly make that acceptable. Every aspect of these horses lives revolves around making money and as a result their welfare is compromised.” On this day Awapuni Racing Club lures people into supporting horse cruelty through using the facade of glamour and fashion, but behind exists a shocking reality for the horses themselves. Ricoh, Courtesy Ford, Power Farming, Feilding Hotel, Ratanui Land Management, PGG Wrightson and Ian Humphery Motors are all supporting this cruel event. “There is no surprises that PGG Wrightson are a sponsor of cruel horse racing events considering their business model is based on animal suffering, but the other companies should ask themselves whether animal abuse is what they want their business to align with”. Recently we have seen investigations at a slaughterhouse in Queensland, Australia which revealed horrific practices where horses were subjected to extreme abuse. (View here.) “In one year, it is estimated approximately 4,000 innocent horses from the racing industry 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 beings that are killed annually, for pet food and for financial gain in New Zealand.” “On the 5th November we will see Australia stand down for a day because of the Melbourne Cup. Party goers will be dressing up and getting ready to have a good time, but it is not a party for the animals? When has it been acceptable to celebrate animals being flogged, dying from haemorrhages, heart attacks and fractures? It is only legal when it’s horse racing.” “Last racing year, 122 innocent horses died on track in Australia and 6 horses have died at the Melbourne Cup in six years, this is not OK.” “When no longer profitable, horses are being sent to the knackery to be turned into dog food just like so many foals that don’t have the temperament or the natural ability and don’t make it to the racetrack.” “We want people to think twice about attending a racing event. There are other cruelty-free events that you can go to for a good day out.” Ms Baker said. “We are starting to see the younger generation turn away from using animals for entertainment. They see that this isn’t a great day out for the horses but rather a day of abuse. Horse racing is 21st century legalised cruelty” “Horses are suffering in the name of gambling and entertainment. If you really care about animals, you shouldn’t be going to the races. We will be silently protesting in honour of all the horses that have died at the Melbourne Cup.” ENDS For More information: horseracingkills.com |
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