Animal rights activists in Del Mar, California are protesting horse racing activities at the Del Mar race track after 20 horses died during this summer's racing season at the track.
Horse racing at Del Mar race track
Animal rights activists in Del Mar, California are protesting horse racing activities at the Del Mar race track after 20 horses died during this summer's racing season at the track.
© 2016 by Andrew Chen
Former Assemblywoman Lori Saldana, community activist Martha Sullivan and members of animal rights groups have urged the California Horse Racing Board to investigate the recent deaths.
Community activists are also voicing their opposition to Assembly Bill 2863, which would, in part, allocate funds to subsidize horse racing.
This summer seven horses died in 10 days. According to reports, trainers and veterinarians have been known to keep injured horses racing by giving them a variety of drugs to mask pain and control inflammation. This leads to breakdowns because horses are able to run when, without the drugs, the pain would have stopped them.
One Saturday three horses died. One was euthanized after a horrific collapse in front of over 21,000 spectators.
These are just the latest deaths at the racetrack. In 2015, PETA called on San Diego law enforcement to investigate nine deaths at Del Mar. In 2014, 16 horses died.
California Horse Race Board Executive Director, Rick Baedeker says trainers and owners are drawn to horse racing for the beauty and care of the animal and that it's more than just a gambling industry.
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club President, Joe Harper, says they're doing everything they can to make the races safe for their horses.
According to former Assemblywoman Lori Saldana: The board needs to determine why we're seeing an increase in deaths and injuries before increasing gambling in California to subsidize an activity that is decreasing in popularity.
Track officials said not only will they start the racing season later next year, but the end of the season will not be extended meaning the whole season will be shorter.