News1 min ago
Horses At The Races
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If the dogs that trotted about last week at Crufts were whipped round the course, there would be an outcry. Why then is it OK to whip horses at Cheltenham?
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Pedigree dogs are possibly treated far worse.
The poor horses might only have to endure occasional periods of temporary pain, whereas many dogs are bred (to comply with pedigree standards) in a way that results in a lifetime of being unable to breath properly (bulldogs) or having painful hip problems (many breeds).
The poor horses might only have to endure occasional periods of temporary pain, whereas many dogs are bred (to comply with pedigree standards) in a way that results in a lifetime of being unable to breath properly (bulldogs) or having painful hip problems (many breeds).
A relevant quote, Woofgang:
"Animal Aid has produced a series of revealing reports over the last seven years exposing the welfare problems associated with Thoroughbred breeding, racing, training and disposal of commercially ‘unproductive’ horses. Our research indicates that around 420 horses are raced to death every year. About 38 per cent die on racecourses, while the others are destroyed as a result of training injuries, or are killed because they are no longer commercially viable."
Source:
http://
(It's worth scrolling down that page just to get an idea of how long the list really is. A simple statistic doesn't really tell the full story).
"Animal Aid has produced a series of revealing reports over the last seven years exposing the welfare problems associated with Thoroughbred breeding, racing, training and disposal of commercially ‘unproductive’ horses. Our research indicates that around 420 horses are raced to death every year. About 38 per cent die on racecourses, while the others are destroyed as a result of training injuries, or are killed because they are no longer commercially viable."
Source:
http://
(It's worth scrolling down that page just to get an idea of how long the list really is. A simple statistic doesn't really tell the full story).
I know Chris, its dreadful. There are also no statistics there for the failed racers who are sold into unsuitable homes and what happens to them.
Not race horses, but around 10 years ago, the price of a new forest foal at local auction went as low as a fiver. people (tourists) who went to see the sales, which are "picturesque: events ended up buying foals never having had so much as a wooden horse before. A similar thing happens to unwanted racehorses. Some ponies are still sold for meat but at least they are now slaughtered in the UK and not live shipped abroad.
The Agisters who care for the forest livestock, have reduced the number of stallions that are turned out each year and the length of time that they are turned out for to reduce the number of foals and stabilise the market which has helped.
Not race horses, but around 10 years ago, the price of a new forest foal at local auction went as low as a fiver. people (tourists) who went to see the sales, which are "picturesque: events ended up buying foals never having had so much as a wooden horse before. A similar thing happens to unwanted racehorses. Some ponies are still sold for meat but at least they are now slaughtered in the UK and not live shipped abroad.
The Agisters who care for the forest livestock, have reduced the number of stallions that are turned out each year and the length of time that they are turned out for to reduce the number of foals and stabilise the market which has helped.
Curiously, one of the rules of Cruft's is that dogs must not be subject to punishments when on the premises ! No idea whether that is meant as an acknowledgment that they are elsewhere, but it may be that it's some ancient rule that has never been rescinded. Surely no trainer nowadays would clout or cause suffering to a dog in training or otherwise.
Racing would say that the whip is padded, that it's primarily used for steering the mount away from collisions and interference with others, that there are strict rules as to frequency and circumstances of its use; jockeys get stood down for a number of days racing for misuse or excessive use; and that every horse is subject to veterinary examination. That all leaves the mystery of how and when a young horse learns that what is called 'a reminder' with the whip reminds it of anything; how does it learn that a stroke with the whip is something which it feels sufficiently to respond to by trying harder.
Irish jockeys seem to fall foul of the whip rules more than British ones, but that cultural difference, if it is one, is nothing compared to that between now and the days of the C19 and early C20 when jockeys were quite merciless.
Racing would say that the whip is padded, that it's primarily used for steering the mount away from collisions and interference with others, that there are strict rules as to frequency and circumstances of its use; jockeys get stood down for a number of days racing for misuse or excessive use; and that every horse is subject to veterinary examination. That all leaves the mystery of how and when a young horse learns that what is called 'a reminder' with the whip reminds it of anything; how does it learn that a stroke with the whip is something which it feels sufficiently to respond to by trying harder.
Irish jockeys seem to fall foul of the whip rules more than British ones, but that cultural difference, if it is one, is nothing compared to that between now and the days of the C19 and early C20 when jockeys were quite merciless.
lol @ weecalf.
I have never seen a horse being whipped round the course, I would personally have it out with such a jockey/driver. There are rules on how often and where the whip can be used, if this is exceeded then there may be a disqualification and/or subsequent disciplinary action by the stewards.
The dogs at Crufts are also subjected to abuse by some unscrupulous owners who put a rosette above the welfare of their dog, but most owners regulate their schedule so that dog(s) have to spend a minimum time in close confinement. What happens at home is beyond any kennel club, there will always be a unfortunate few dogs that will suffer, no matter what the rules/law says.
I have never seen a horse being whipped round the course, I would personally have it out with such a jockey/driver. There are rules on how often and where the whip can be used, if this is exceeded then there may be a disqualification and/or subsequent disciplinary action by the stewards.
The dogs at Crufts are also subjected to abuse by some unscrupulous owners who put a rosette above the welfare of their dog, but most owners regulate their schedule so that dog(s) have to spend a minimum time in close confinement. What happens at home is beyond any kennel club, there will always be a unfortunate few dogs that will suffer, no matter what the rules/law says.
wildwood, its not a "few" dogs or a "few" horses and use of the whip is the least of it.
fredpuli
"Surely no trainer nowadays would clout or cause suffering to a dog in training or otherwise. "
go to youtube and search on "Cesar Milan cruelty" for a kick off. E collars and E fences are legal in the uk. Most petshops sell "no pull" harnesses that work by tightening into the dogs "armpits". I could go on but I won't.
fredpuli
"Surely no trainer nowadays would clout or cause suffering to a dog in training or otherwise. "
go to youtube and search on "Cesar Milan cruelty" for a kick off. E collars and E fences are legal in the uk. Most petshops sell "no pull" harnesses that work by tightening into the dogs "armpits". I could go on but I won't.
http://
The RSPCA have prosecuted a man for using an electronic shock collar, which use is evidently illegal (at least in Wales !)
The RSPCA have prosecuted a man for using an electronic shock collar, which use is evidently illegal (at least in Wales !)
It is in wales fred but not in england....not sure about scotland and ireland. Wales can't crow though. Farmers there are encouraged to diversify by farming puppies. They bred them without thought for health or welfare and heaven help the pups which don't sell when they are young and cute.
http://
The welsh assembly offers grants to farmers who diversify into puppy breeding
http://
The welsh assembly offers grants to farmers who diversify into puppy breeding
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