Horse racing has borne the brunt of animal welfare activists for the terrible treatment that horse races suffer in a bid to win races. The infiltration of the game by punters has exacerbated the wrong situation. Gamblers are placing big money on a particular horse to win a race.
However, all is not lost. Horse racing enthusiasts can do a few things to lessen the spotlight of activists. This will also ensure that bad publicity does not affect the future of the age-old sport. This article provides some suggestion on how to keep the race track ethical.
Eliminating Painful Practices
Among the grouse raised by animal welfare bodies is the use of painful gadgets such as whips and tongue ties. Jockeys could make use of other forms of stimulating horse responses other than whipping the animal. The use of tongue ties can also be eliminated to keep the tongue in its natural place during races.
Safe Racing Surfaces
The racing surfaces on race tracks play a significant role in ensuring the comfort, safety and health of horses. Hard surfaces may lead to damaged hooves and severe injuries to the horse and the jockey after track accidents. To prevent these occurrences, race organisers should ensure that the track surfaces are friendly to the animal, especially when the horse is at high speed.
Limit on Races Run
Horses will suffer injuries and fatigue after races. To prevent wearing own the animal, it is prudent to enter the animal in fewer races to give time to recovery of the tissues and healing of physical injuries. Making a horse eligible for every race is bound to raise eyebrows risking the reputation of the sport and the life expectancy of the horse.
Wrap-Up
Race organisers, horse owners and trainers have a great opportunity of cleaning the game of unethical practices. It may not be an easy task, but every step is taken, counts.