Racing to resume in spite of equine flu outbreak: Animal Aid’s statement

Animal Aid is deeply disappointed by the decision, which it believes puts profits before animal welfare.

Says Animal Aid Director, Isobel Hutchinson:

‘We are deeply disappointed by this reckless decision, which clearly puts industry profits before animal welfare. The BHA itself admits that putting racing back on represents a risk, even if it argues that this is at an acceptable level. Inconvenience and loss of profit to the racing industry are no excuse for taking a gamble on the health and welfare of the entire equine population of the UK. Of course, it is not only race horses who are at risk of flu, but any equine.

 ‘Sadly though, we are not surprised by this irresponsible decision, since the BHA has already made it clear that it is incapable of protecting race horses. Over 200 horses lost their lives last year as a result of racing in Britain, which is the highest number of deaths since 2014. The BHA has repeatedly failed to stem the tide of race horse deaths. We believe it is time for race horse welfare to be taken out of the hands of the BHA and given to a new, independent body that will take meaningful action to protect horses.’

Editor’s notes

• Visit the Race Horse Death Watch website
• For more information or to arrange an interview, please phone 01732 364 546.