The cruelty of gambling on horses in Hong Kong must end
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Recently, three horses perished on Hong Kong racetracks in a week, including
Liberty Island , a high-profile thoroughbred from Japan. Globally, the issues of drugs, fatal injuries,
whipping
slaughter and
corruption in this industry are well documented. The cruelty of this pastime must end – the cost to horses is simply too high.
Thoroughbreds in many jurisdictions are forced to run while still young and growing. Horses routinely suffer injuries, lameness and exhaustion and are medicated with muscle relaxants, sedatives and other pharmaceuticals. Countless die in racing, long before their natural lifespan.
Many that survive aren't retired to grassy pastures. Instead, their flesh ends up on plates in places like South Korea.
Peta US investigators captured footage at South Korea's largest horse slaughterhouse and identified 23 thoroughbred racehorses. The footage of trembling horses was gut-wrenching. After a police investigation, three workers and the company were charged, but it's business as usual in this cruel industry.
Gambling on horses' lives is indefensible while this abuse continues.
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