Skip to main content

Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.

Support Disclosure of Horses' Medical Records

Support Disclosure of Horses' Medical Records

Closed — 92 supporters Verified

Final supporters

D
Doug R.
H
Holly S.
C
Colleen S.
D
Dora A.
S
Someone
L
Leslie K.
K
Kathi H.
W
Wendy E.
D
Dana C.
K
Kim L.
+82 more
Started by Anonymous 16 years, 10 months ago
This petition supports the New York State Racing and Wagering Board’s proposed rule requiring disclosure of racehorses' medical records for 45 days prior to their race-day. As a lifelong thoroughbred owner and breeder, I fully endorse this rule. It is a safety measure for horses and jockeys, and an assurance of integrity for the betting public, prospective owners, and other new arrivals to the sport. If you are involved in horseracing in any capacity, this rule change is designed to improve the quality of racing, by separating unhealthy horses from those ready to race. Full disclosure is the only way to move horseracing forward. Ultimately, it is the abusive practice of drugs that results in unfit horses running on the track, and making poor contributions to the thoroughbred bloodline. Drugs compensate for crooked legs, poor shoeing jobs, lack of conditioning, and an inability to breathe, among a host of other problems. Concealing these realities has created numerous problems for both people and horses; overpopulation with few humane plans for equine retirement and rising veterinary costs for overtaxed, unhealthy horses are serious issues. Honesty, transparency, and a genuine love and respect of the horse is the only way racing will thrive. This new rule is the first step in answering the question, "What's wrong with racing, how do we fix it, and how do we market it". The more available information becomes on horses and their health, the better decisions we can make about what will benefit everyone-- humans and horses. The only people who will not benefit are those that would manipulate, deceive, and actively practice animal cruelty through the secret use of drugs to push horses on the track who do not belong there--all in the name of profit. Veterinarians who oppose this suggested rule should examine their own motives. Stephen Selway‘s claim in the NY Times that time and paperwork would be wasted on the measure, as well as the AAEPs statement that what medications are administered to racehorses is privileged information are both highly absurd! Personally, I am disappointed that those who supposedly have dedicated their lives to the care of animals are more concerned about protecting private revenue streams than improving conditions for the horses that make their jobs possible. How many drugs are being administered, and in what possible combination and frequency, that it will take "hundreds of thousands of hours" to record by veterinarians Just because the state isn’t testing for a drug yet, doesn’t mean that its use is ethical, in the best interest of the horses, their caretakers, or the public, let alone that it isn't in their right to know. Personally, I have 30 years of detailed medical bills that veterinarians were never too short on time to send. The implementation of this new rule will make life better for racehorses and the people who work with them. If you really care about the future of racing and the welfare of horses I encourage you to sign this petition. Those who oppose this rule clearly have something to hide, and should be ashamed of whatever priority is stepping in the way of making the right choice. This is a big step toward creating a more level playing field in racing, and responsibility and accountability are the only way to grow the sport and bring in new owners.

6 Comments

S
Sarah Osborne
16 years ago Featured

About time. These poor horses are being pushed way too hard and it is so obvious to anyone watching.

J
Jessica Moore
16 years ago Featured

so tired of hearing about breakdowns on the track. let us see the vet records nothing to hide nothing to fear right?

T
Tom McBride
16 years ago Featured

just do it. racing needs to clean up its act if it wants to stay around.

M
Mark Griffin
16 years ago Featured

KEEP THE HORSES SAFE. stop the drugs and let them run clean.

D
Dave Kapoor
16 years ago Featured

my grandfather was a trainer and he would be sickened by how things are done now. way too many drugs and coverups.

L
Linda Powell
16 years ago Featured

Transparency is the bare minimum we owe these animals. Fix the industry already.