Perhaps the most common counter to our abolitionist position is the economic argument: If horseracing were to disappear so, too, would many jobs (never mind that most are low-wage); ancillary industries – feed suppliers, vets, farriers, breeders, of course – would also take a hit. Similarly, there are a handful of towns that have come to be identified by, or have intentionally set out to identify themselves with, the local racetrack. Saratoga Springs is perhaps the most prominent example.
While protesting at Saratoga Race Course, we are frequently asked how our goal – to close the track – would impact the environs. First, I say that money should not factor into questions of morality. If something is wrong, jobs are not relevant. Beyond that, however, I tout the town, pointing to all the wonderful things it has to offer that does not include exploiting, abusing, and killing horses. A recent NYRA ad in the New York Post makes my case – racing and track particulars redacted, of course.
“The graceful, cosmopolitan city of Saratoga Springs, nestled in upstate New York just north of Albany and full of Victorian charm, is a destination filled with fabulous dining, bountiful boutiques, relaxing day spas, lavish golf courses, thriving nightlife, beautiful state parks [and] a variety of shops and restaurants that fuel the thriving downtown business community.
No matter your summertime craving, the main stretch of Saratoga Springs offers plenty of possibilities. Once you’ve taken your last bite [visit] Caroline Street, known for its row of bars and pubs, to keep the night going. There you’ll experience New Orleans vibes, with the party often spilling out onto the sidewalk. Or enjoy an evening at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, which features an outdoor amphitheater with expansive lawn seating for rock, classical, and jazz concerts in addition to world-class ballet.
The wide array of offerings provides something for everyone and the charming city of Saratoga Springs will make you feel as though you’ve traveled much farther than upstate New York.”
Exactly – and it can all be had sans animal cruelty.
Well Saratoga – get off your ass then and do something about the abuse and cruelty within the horse racing industry. Most of us don’t care what the hell your town looks like or the ambiance involved – we care about the lives of these poor horses that are being abused and slaughtered at the hands of the cruel owners and trainers. That is our number 1 priority – we do not care what town this is in – how many people will be affected by employment losses and if you people as a general public are so concerned about all of these factors then you need to get on board and do something to protect all. The horse racing does not have to be as criminal as it is but unfortunately in todays world of horse racing is seems to be about the cruelty and of course the MONEY – always the greed is at the bottom of everything those goes on. Stop the abuse, Stop the slaughter of these gorgeous horses and work with the groups that are trying to preserve their lives and possibly you may benefit in the long run, but as it stands now shutting down all tracks across the country seems to be the only positive solution to a horrendous act of cruelty and death!!!!
What about the thoroughbreds? What would happen to them?
Cordially Dina Boyer http://www.dinaboyerphotography.com dinaboyer2@gmail.com
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Dina – what happens to them now?
Dina they would probably be better looked after once the closure is announced because right now thousands of thoroughbreds are bled out on the slaughterhouse floor.
Part of the closure process would include a legally mandated amount of money, taken from the billions in profits they receive now, to ensure a soft landing.
So the situation would be much better.
Of course the breeding would dwindle out and eventually completely stop so no more racehorses to send to slaughter.
Yesterday I was watching a T.V special on the civil war with a focus on slavery.
When Abraham Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation the slave masters in the south all resonated with one question: “what would happen to all the slaves if we were to free them?”
There’s not much of a dichotomy between slavery and horse racing when it comes to your question.
Perhaps you should be posing this question to the horse racing entities especially the ones who are making all the money off their bones, backs and lives.