23 August 2012
The RSPCA has grave concerns for the safety of horses and riders set to compete in a jumps race
at Gawler today, with wet weather likely to make the track even more treacherous.
RSPCA (SA) Media and Campaigns Manager Jennifer Salter said it’s yet another reason to scrap
the race, which comes just days after the death of a horse at Morphettville.
Jockey Jack was pulled up between jumps with a fractured fetlock on Saturday and euthanased.
“Jumps racing is clearly dangerous,” Ms Salter said.
“How many tragedies will it take for the decision makers to admit it’s unacceptable?
“The fact that horses continue to fall speaks volumes.
“Jockey Jack was the third jumps horse to die in South Australia this year, following the deaths
of two horses at Oakbank. Five perished across the State last year.
“With a jumps race at Gawler today, the RSPCA is extremely concerned.
“It’s been raining heavily and the track will be sodden. The RSPCA wants the race cancelled.
“However, the only safe solution is to ban jumps racing completely.
“South Australia and Victoria are the only States that continue to condone it.
“The RSPCA is urging South Australians to take action, by contacting the State Government and
the racing industry.
“The more people who take a stand against jumps racing, the harder it will be to justify.
“The RSPCA has been campaigning against this deadly sport for decades and will continue to do
so until the welfare of horses is put first.”
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