Target: Robert K. Schmitz, Chairman of the Ohio State Racing Commission
Goal: Demand a comprehensive investigation into the alleged abuse of a horse at a harness track.
Newly acquired video footage, courtesy of PETA, seems to show a disturbing scene involving Brevin Lupton, an Ohio racing licensee. The recording showcases an alleged incident of horse abuse at an Ohio harness track. Not only does it appear to depict the horse collapsing, but it also allegedly captures Lupton and another individual kicking and whipping the animal. Such treatment reportedly led to the horse’s repeated struggles to regain footing, further signaling its distress.
This deplorable act of alleged violence toward a vulnerable animal doesn’t just defy ethical norms; it also possibly violates state and federal laws governing animal welfare. The Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC) recently suspended Lupton for a mere year and imposed a fine of $1,000 for “engaging in an act of cruelty to a horse.” Such penalties hardly suffice given the severity of the allegations.
Advocacy group PETA has urgently called upon both the OSRC and the United States Trotting Association to revoke Lupton’s license and membership. Moreover, there is a public plea for law enforcement to delve deeper into this matter, potentially leading to criminal charges if warranted. Simply put, these acts, if proven true, flagrantly contradict the principles that any civil society built on empathy and justice should espouse. There must be zero tolerance for animal abuse in the racing industry, a sport that already places enormous physical strain on these magnificent creatures.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Robert K. Schmitz,
We, the undersigned, write to convey collective outrage and concern about the recently surfaced allegations against Ohio racing licensee Brevin Lupton. According to PETA, a video exists that shows Mr. Lupton engaging in harmful activities against a horse at an Ohio harness track on October 9.
As Chairman of the Ohio State Racing Commission, we request your immediate intervention. We insist on the immediate revocation of Brevin Lupton’s racing license. Furthermore, a full investigation into the matter should commence posthaste, leveraging all available resources to ascertain the truth.
Ohio residents and indeed citizens worldwide expect your decisive intervention. Such alleged actions cannot stand; they warrant serious penalties and the complete expulsion of any individual found guilty from the racing industry.
Respectfully,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: MJ Boswell
