29 AUGUST 2016
Three horses dead from jumps races in three weeks

The death toll in New Zealand jumps racing continues to mount with three horses killed in three weeks, bringing the total for the jumps racing season so far to seven.

Twentythirtyfour was euthanised after he fractured a hind leg in a gruelling 4200 metre Steeplechase in Te Aroha on Sunday 28 August. His death follows that of Good Risk, who died after falling and suffering a cardio-vascular ‘event’ at Wanganui last weekend and Bunkered, who fractured her stifle (equivalent to human knee) and was killed at a Canterbury race on August 13.

Animal rights organisation SAFE condemns jumps racing because of the inherent danger to the horses who are pushed to jump fences at speed, resulting in injury and death.

SAFE Head of Campaigns Mandy Carter says that the death toll is unacceptable.

“The lives and welfare of the horses are what is really at stake in jumps racing: an industry where profit and prestige out-weigh the safety of the animals,” says Ms Carter. “At least seven horses have now died this season in jumps races. How many more need to die before action is taken?”

The latest deaths come after three horses died in a single day earlier in the season.

Injuries suffered when horses fall or crash into jumps or barriers can be horrific. Animals that are no longer deemed able to race profitably are discarded, often ending up at the slaughterhouse.

New South Wales has already banned jumps racing. SAFE says that New Zealand needs to to the same.

Concerned New Zealanders are being urged to sign a pledge not to bet on jumps racing: http://safe.org.nz/stop-jumps-racing-cruelty

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