- Horse Giovinco suffered a fatal injury after falling at the final fence of the Mildmay Novices’ Chase on Friday afternoon at the Grand National Festival, amidst increasing public concern at the controversial sport [1].
- 42 horses have now died on British racetracks this year [2] and on average a horse dies every other day in British racing [3].
- Animal Rising announced last week that they would not be disrupting this year’s Grand National, believing the tide has turned and the public is increasingly aware of the cruelty inherent in horse racing [4].
- The British public has already made their opinion on the Grand National known, with the majority telling YouGov they believe the race is “cruel” [5]. Furthermore, the industry now polls at a 47% “dislike” percentage per YouGov [6].
Animal Rising is calling for an end to the inherent cruelty of racing horses for profit. The horse racing industry is just one example of our broken relationship with animals and the natural world. Exploitation of animals and the environment is a leading cause of the climate and environmental crises we are facing as a nation.
Ben Newman, Animal Rising spokesperson said:
“This latest death shows the industry’s so-called “welfare” changes are nothing but a cynical PR stunt. The horses are raced to the extreme limits of what they are capable of, time and time again. No wonder we have witnessed yet another tragic death on the track. These horses will not be safe until all racing stops.”
“Giovinco is the latest victim of an industry refusing to take accountability for the suffering endured in its name. He is the 42nd death on British racetracks so far this year. It’s hard to imagine the pain and fear Giovinco must have experienced. The racetracks and the gambling industry don’t want the public to see the grim reality behind the profits they make.”
“A horse is killed every other day in racing, and that’s just the public face of the industry. Many more die behind the scenes, whether from heart attacks, injury, or arthritis caused by extreme training regimes. As a nation of animal lovers, the public is waking up and realising that this controversial ‘sport’ needs to be shut down.[3]”
Animal Rising is a social movement to create a new relationship with all beings and give us a chance for a safe ecological future. The group primarily calls for the transition to a secure and sustainable plant-based food system, alongside a mass rewilding programme.
ENDS
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