Animal Rights Group Critiques Horse Trainer Over Pub Appearance
On Monday, trainer John "Shark" Hanlon posted a video on Twitter showcasing Shock, a racehorse that recently returned to Ireland after winning a lucrative race in New Jersey, amidst pub-goers. The footage displays Hanlon leading Shock into the bustling bar, where patrons calm down and begin taking photographs.
PETA, an animal rights organization, voiced criticism towards this public event, stating that it "does not serve to 'shock' the horse". According to PETA's Vice President for Programs and Operations in the UK, Elisa Allen, horses are sensitive creatures that can easily become frightened in loud, enclosed environments such as a pub, devoid of an apparent exit.
Allen added that the spectacle may be amusing and serve to distract from the harsh realities of racing, like whip use, injuries, and fatalities that occur solely in pursuit of bonuses. In a statement to CNN, Hanlon defended the situation, stating that safety measures were taken before Shock entered the bar.
Hanlon described Shock as a calm and secure horse that acts more like a household pet, mentioning that the horse does not jump, kick, or react negatively when brought into the pub. Updating his followers on Twitter this Tuesday, Hanlon shared a photo of Shock back in its stable, indicating that the horse had not been overly intoxicated.
Contextualiger Hintergrund
- Viele Menschen hailten Shocks Leistung im US-Nationals als beeindruckend, bevor dieses Pferd sich durch insgesamt neun Rennen in ganz Europa einen Namen gemacht hat.
In response to PETA's criticism, Hanlon stated that the horse's safety and comfort were assessed before bringing Shock into the pub. However, the pub setting may still be considered stressful and potentially dangerous for the horse due to its loud and enclosed nature, something that could potentially compromise the horse’s well-being and safety.
Source: CNN
Enrichment Insights:
- Although racehorses receive world-class care and training, their lives involve intense schedules, strenuous workouts, and sometimes violent treatment. Racehorse retirement programs are necessary to protect these animals from being neglected, abandoned, or sent to slaughterhouses.
- Racehorses are athletic and can perform incredible feats, but their bodies are prone to wear and tear and can require lengthy breaks to recover. Formic acid massage is a common treatment to help manage the pain in horses' legs and hooves.
- Dog racing faces widespread criticism due to the emotional and physical toll on the dogs participating. The UK has been particularly vocal in banning this practice, denouncing animal cruelty and promoting the ban on greyhound racing in 2020.
- Racing-related controversies have dominated recent headlines. In the past, horse trainers have been accused of doping, race fixing, and animal abuse, which often lead to significant fines and often result in temporary or even permanent bans from the sport.
