Bella
05-05-2008, 04:45 PM
I know we are all anxious and excited about tomorrow, but can everyone please take a couple minutes and sign the petition on PETA that is being sent to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority to takes steps to prevent these tragedies in the future. Thank you.
We have called on the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority to institute broad reforms and have asked for jockey Gabriel Saez's license to be suspended pending an inquiry into the circumstances of Eight Belles' breakdown. Eight Belles undoubtedly was injured before the finish line, yet Saez whipped her repeatedly in the home stretch. Please respond to our action alert at http://getactive.PETA.org/campaign/eight_belles to speak up on behalf of Eight Belles and other horses who are still suffering at the hands of the racing industry.
Eight Belles is only the latest of many horses to have suffered catastrophic injuries in the horse racing industry. Thoroughbreds are accidents waiting to happen: Their legs are too long and fragile, they're forced to run while still young and growing, and injuries often are masked with drugs. Every year, countless horses don't make it off the track alive. For more thoughts on this subject, please visit http://blog.PETA.org/archives/2008/05/time_to_rein_in.php.
Spent horses and horses who don't "make the grade" are not retired to grassy pastures. Tens of thousands of horses - including thoroughbreds - are sold for slaughter every year. Some of their flesh is used in dog and cat food, while "prime cuts" are sold for human consumption in Europe and Asia. To help put a stop to this practice, please visit http://getactive.PETA.org/campaign/horses_mexican_slaughterhouses.
People who want to pay tribute to the horses who have suffered and died in racing should continue to stay away from tracks and betting parlors. You can also help by writing letters to the editors of local newspapers. Ask people not to attend horse races, and let them know that horses will continue to suffer as long as they do. For information to include in your letter, please refer to our horse racing factsheet at http://www.PETA.org/mc/factsheet_display.asp?ID=65. For letter-writing tips, please see our guide at http://www.PETA.org/actioncenter/letter-writing-guide.asp.
Rest in Peace Eight Belles and may you forever roam peacefully in God's green pastures.
We have called on the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority to institute broad reforms and have asked for jockey Gabriel Saez's license to be suspended pending an inquiry into the circumstances of Eight Belles' breakdown. Eight Belles undoubtedly was injured before the finish line, yet Saez whipped her repeatedly in the home stretch. Please respond to our action alert at http://getactive.PETA.org/campaign/eight_belles to speak up on behalf of Eight Belles and other horses who are still suffering at the hands of the racing industry.
Eight Belles is only the latest of many horses to have suffered catastrophic injuries in the horse racing industry. Thoroughbreds are accidents waiting to happen: Their legs are too long and fragile, they're forced to run while still young and growing, and injuries often are masked with drugs. Every year, countless horses don't make it off the track alive. For more thoughts on this subject, please visit http://blog.PETA.org/archives/2008/05/time_to_rein_in.php.
Spent horses and horses who don't "make the grade" are not retired to grassy pastures. Tens of thousands of horses - including thoroughbreds - are sold for slaughter every year. Some of their flesh is used in dog and cat food, while "prime cuts" are sold for human consumption in Europe and Asia. To help put a stop to this practice, please visit http://getactive.PETA.org/campaign/horses_mexican_slaughterhouses.
People who want to pay tribute to the horses who have suffered and died in racing should continue to stay away from tracks and betting parlors. You can also help by writing letters to the editors of local newspapers. Ask people not to attend horse races, and let them know that horses will continue to suffer as long as they do. For information to include in your letter, please refer to our horse racing factsheet at http://www.PETA.org/mc/factsheet_display.asp?ID=65. For letter-writing tips, please see our guide at http://www.PETA.org/actioncenter/letter-writing-guide.asp.
Rest in Peace Eight Belles and may you forever roam peacefully in God's green pastures.