2016-05-04
Greens animal welfare spokesperson Sue Pennicuik, has called for the Andrews Government to immediately suspend the 2016 jumps racing season following the death of a second horse in two days at the Warrnambool races and a death earlier in the week at a jumps trial.
“Horrific injuries and death are an inevitable outcome of jumps racing,” Ms Penniciuk said.
“This so called sport cannot be made safe. The time for excuses is over.
“I’m calling on the racing minister, Martin Pakula to take responsibility of the welfare of horses in the racing industry and to immediately suspend the 2016 jumps racing season and to stop jumps racing altogether,” Sue Pennicuik said.
“Horses aren’t designed for jumping at speed over hurdles and steeples and the injuries they suffer are horrific. Falls and deaths continue to occur, despite numerous reviews and promises to clean up jumps racing. All have failed to prevent ongoing deaths and injuries.
“Most other states have already banned this awful spectacle. Only Victoria and South Australia continue. It’s time Victoria puts a stop to it.
“I don’t want to see any more deaths added to the deaths yesterday of Cliff’s Dream and Tuscan Fire today at Warrnambool and Fieldmaster last week.
“How many more deaths will it take before the Minister takes action,” Ms Pennicuik said.
For further comment: Ms. Pennicuik 03 9530 8399