Through a FOIA request to the California Horse Racing Board, I have obtained the following details on some of that state’s kills last year (previous installments here).
Imma Tank, Feb 22, Cal Expo T
“Catastrophic humeral fracture – complete, displaced, comminuted; several torn muscles; severe, regionally-extensive hemorrhage.” Imma was 11 years old. A long life of abuse; a terrifying, painful death.
Yo Baby, Mar 1, Golden Gate T
“Catastrophic fractures – complete, displaced, comminuted, open – of the MT2, MT3, and MT4 bones of the RH limb; transverse tearing of the extensor tendon with severely frayed fibers; transverse tearing of the suspensory ligament with severely frayed fibers; multiple lacerations.” One of the bones, says the necropsy, was “split into greater than 30 fragments.” Imagine the sight (and sound) of that. Also: “osteochondral disease [both hind limbs]; focally-extensive stomach ulcers.” Yo Baby was but three years old.
Moonlit Night, Apr 12, Cal Expo R
“[Horse] gave up after half mile and slowly made it close to finish line where it collapsed and expired. Cause undetermined.” And (of course), “stomach ulcers,” which were listed as an “incidental finding.” The “it” in question was also just three – collapsed and died.
The level of disregard for the well-being of the horses is morally depraved AND in violation of the laws of the State of California.
These people are operating in violation of the laws of the State of California regarding Animal Welfare; 1) Penal Code 597 addresses animal cruelty and neglect,
AND, specific to horseracing,
2) the California Code of Regulations, Title 4, Article 16, Section 1902.5 addresses the injuring, maiming and killing of racehorses.
These people are not practicing true horsemanship. They are criminals and should be treated as such.