Target: Charles Scheeler, Chair of HISA
Goal: Ensure penalties levied for animal welfare violations are comprehensive and carried out.
In May, a horse trainer was accused of providing banned substances to at least three racehorses. The trainer also allegedly could not provide veterinary records for many of his horses. A few months later, a trainer who helped win the Breeders’ Cup received a suspension for reportedly using a banned substance. Even veterinarians have been charged by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) of intentionally masking significant injuries suffered by horses under their care. Yet despite the continued alleged exploitation of horses in the racing industry, the sport’s major regulatory body seems more interested in protecting accused offenders than the vulnerable living beings whose lives and well-being are at stake.
HISA recently lifted the provisional suspension imposed on trainer Rudy Rodriguez, who reportedly failed to secure proper medical examinations for injured horses. Prior to this incident, HISA proposed several modifications to its rules. The common theme of these modifications was reduction…reduction of penalties for offenders, reduction of sanctions for several doping offenses, and reduction of racing ineligibility for horses subjected to doping scandals. HISA has opened some of these new recommended guidelines to public comment.
Sign the petition below to let these so-called leaders know that their push to weaken accountability for racehorse abuse is unacceptable.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Scheeler,
The cases of Angel Sanchez Pinero, Shivananda Parbhoo, Dr. Adam Lockard, Dr. Nicholas Meittinis, and Rudy Rodriguez highlight the ongoing issues with racehorse safety that are still apparently rampant in this industry. Despite these concerning cases and so many others, HISA seems content to do the bare minimum to hold violators of welfare standards fully accountable. Lifting suspensions and introducing a roster of proposed reductions in sanctions, in ineligibility periods, and in bans and other penalties sends the wrong message to professionals that they can skirt the rules and simply wait out any “punishment.”
An industry plagued by numerous scandals and several deaths among their prized products should and must do better. With key races upcoming on the roster, the time for decisive action is now. Instead of weakening the system of accountability, strengthen it with severe and enforced regulations. Anything less is lip service and will not remove the rot that may one day collapse this industry.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Maryland GovPics
