Mistreatment In Horses

Behind the scenes of all the excitement of horse racing, many owners, trainers, and jockeys use illegal methods to get an advantage on the track. The horses in the industry often experience abuse and mistreatment that is both inhumane and illegal. Those who participate in these illegal actions go to great lengths to cover up or hide what they have done. There are many laws and regulations to attempt to prevent these actions and punish those who commit them. There are many forms of mistreatment that are done to horses in the racing industry. To enhance their performance, horses will be given drugs like anti-inflammatories, pain killers, and lasix. Anti-inflammatories decrease inflammation in joints and can make the horse to appear sound when they are not. Also, painkillers are given to reduce pain and allow a horse to run, even though they may be injured. While running, horse’s
Most of the drugs used are illegal in the industry and blood testing is done to expose the usage of those drugs. During a race, the whip should only be used seven times and without extreme force by the jockey. If it is found that any laws have been broken, the owner, trainer, or jockey can face suspension or be fined.
Even by misusing drugs and the whip, horses eventually are unable to race. Once that happens, owners will sell the horses or send them to be slaughtered. Most horses that are injured and cannot race are sent to be slaughtered. Horses that are no longer able to run will be sold or taken by racehorse rescue groups.

In conclusion, there are many actions in the horseracing industry that are abusive to horses. Through enforcement of laws, mistreatment of race horses can be greatly reduced. Many groups are working towards having more laws to protect race horses and monitor actions in the industry. While there are many negative aspects of horse racing, it is still a very popular and exciting