Statement From PETA re Deaths of 19 Horses at Santa Anita Racetrack

For Immediate Release:
February 26, 2019

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Please see the following statement from PETA President Ingrid Newkirk regarding these 19 horse deaths:

PETA has canceled a planned protest at Santa Anita racetrack following a meeting with track representatives who pledged to take definitive steps, including extending the review of medication records of horses who are in training—and not just before races. Research sponsored by the California Horse Racing Board shows why horses break down, and the fault lies with the trainers and veterinarians who drug horses with a cocktail of anti-inflammatories, painkillers, sedatives, and more to keep them running when they should be recuperating. This masks soreness and injury—and injured horses are vulnerable to broken bones. Horses who require medication should not be anywhere near a track. PETA believes that there are innumerable problems with horse racing, but at a bare minimum, all medications should be banned for at least a week before a horse races or trains, which would effectively stop lame animals from being able to run. PETA will continue to meet with Santa Anita officials in the coming days.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.