Through a FOIA request to the California Horse Racing Board, I have obtained the following details on some of that state’s kills thus far this year.
Spotlight Rainbow, Jan 15, Golden Gate S
“Intestinal rupture [with] release of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity.” Spotlight was two years old and being prepped for her debut.
Bentworth, Jan 24, Los Alamitos T
“The most important findings in this case were the complete (left) and incomplete (right) transverse rupture of the gastrocnemius muscles and the complete (bilateral) transverse rupture of the superficial digital flexor muscles of both the hind legs.” He ruptured multiple muscles in both hind legs. Now get this: Bentworth was still just one. One.
I Win Again, Jan 26, Santa Anita T
“Complete, displaced, comminuted humerus fracture; several muscles close to the fracture fragments torn; extensive hemorrhage.” Also: “surgery on right knee [not the leg that broke] Sep 2023.” I Win was but two years old.
Claddagh Cure, Feb 16, Santa Anita S
“Epiploic foramen entrapment, small intestinal incarceration. Euthanized due to poor prognosis. Horse had prior history of colic surgery Sep 2023.” Claddagh was four years old and had had a timed workout two days prior to dying.
This form of Animal Cruelty should never be socially acceptable anywhere.
“No person under the jurisdiction of the Board shall alone, or in concert with another person, permit or cause an animal under his control or care to suffer any form of cruelty, mistreatment, neglect or abuse.
Nor shall such person abandon; injure; maim; kill; administer a noxious or harmful substance to; or deprive an animal of necessary care, sustenance, shelter or veterinary care.”
California Code & Regulations
Title 4
Section 1902.5-Animal Welfare