PETA Statement Re: Closing of Santa Anita Racetrack

For Immediate Release:
March 5, 2019

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Arcadia, Calif. –

Please see the following statement from PETA President Ingrid Newkirk regarding the reported death of the 21^st horse to die at Santa Anita racetrack in the past two months and the track’s decision to close until further notice:

On Saturday, after the 20^th horse died at Santa Anita racetrack, PETA called on Governor Newsom to close the track. Today, following the death of yet another horse, Santa Anita has stated that it is closing until further notice. This was the right thing to do. The track should remain closed until the California Horse Racing Board dumps the drugs entirely, or injured horses whose soreness is masked by legally allowed medication will continue to sustain shattered bones. PETA renews its call for a criminal investigation into the trainers and veterinarians who may have put injured horses on the track, leading to their deaths.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.