Animal Aid statement on Royal Ascot: heat wave created unacceptable risk to horse’s lives
Royal Ascot ends the life of at least one horse, with multiple whip offences also seen at this year’s event.
Posted 20 Jun 2022

Posted on the 2nd February 2011
Animal Aid has campaigned for many years to abolish the use of the whip in horse racing. Our 2010 report, 'Beaten To The Line', shows the extent of the maltreatment that takes place on a daily basis in British racing.
It highlights repeated beatings of individual horses resulting in raw flesh wounds. It also names the out-of-control jockeys who offend again and again without fear of adequate preventive sanctions. This report supported our 2004 findings published in A Hiding To Nothing, which, in addition to giving prominence to major welfare problems, showed that horses were less likely to win races when whipped more than their fellow racing equines.
Now, new evidence from scientists in Australia has also concluded that use of the whip does not make horses run any faster. This is a blow for the racing industry’s regulators and jockeys who rigorously and erroneously, defend such public abuse of equines.
Says Animal Aid’s Horse Racing Consultant, Dene Stansall:
This important and informative research supports Animal Aid’s own findings. It is further proof that whipping is nothing other than blatant cruelty to horses, who can be seen to be beaten on a daily basis. Importantly, this evidence will strengthen the case for a total ban on the use of the whip.
Royal Ascot ends the life of at least one horse, with multiple whip offences also seen at this year’s event.
Posted 20 Jun 2022
An advert by Vegan Friendly UK, in collaboration with vegan food brand Miami Kitchen, was banned by the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) following 63 complaints about its content.
Posted 19 Jun 2022
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