2023-10-11
Australian Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for Animal Welfare, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has welcomed cancellation of this year's Melbourne Cup Parade, following the success of the growing movement to shut down horse racing and the Greens #NupToTheCup campaign.
Quotes attributable to Senator Mehreen Faruqi:
“Days of the Melbourne Cup are numbered thanks to the tireless work of animal welfare activists and growing community concern over the animal cruelty of horse racing.
“We are winning the fight against the cruel and callous horse racing industry.
“Cancellation of the Melbourne Cup Parade means the long, hard work of animal welfare activists and protesters is paying off. And we will not stop until this grotesque festival of cruelty is binned altogether. Now let's cancel the race.
“Tragically, 168 horses have died on the track this year alone. How many more horses need to die before we realise that horse racing kills. Enough is enough.
“Public opinion is turning fast. The surge in support for #NupToTheCup has shown how much the community values animal welfare. Most people see horse racing as a cruel, archaic industry that flourishes on the torture of beautiful horses.
“The social licence of the racing industry is fading fast. People are switching off because they clearly understand the cruelty and toxicity of gambling and racing.
“Independent polling shows that a whopping 64% of Australians believe racing animals like horses and greyhounds for gambling and entertainment is cruel. This figure has been going up each year, from 59% in 2022 and 55% in 2021.
“Let’s move with the times and leave behind this barbaric industry. The Melbourne Cup thrives on gambling, consumerism and alcoholism, all fueled by animal cruelty.
‘It’s time to shut down horse racing.”
FARUQI:
Connor Parissis | 0474 437 111