Through a FOIA request to the California Horse Racing Board, I have obtained the following details on some of that state’s kills in 2025 (previous ones here).
Meticulus, Jan 24, Los Alamitos T
“Head trauma in gate, bleeding from both nostrils.” In addition: “complete, displaced, comminuted fracture of C1 vertebra; complete, displaced, comminuted fracture of femur; severe muscle tears.” Meticulus was eight years old and was being brought back to race after three years away. Poor, poor boy.
Non Compliant, Apr 17, Los Alamitos T
“Complete, displaced, comminuted fracture of the humerus; severe hemorrhage.” Then, listed as an “incidental” finding: “stomach ulceration.” Non Compliant was three years old.
Ivan the Great, Apr 20, Santa Anita T
“Complete, displaced, comminuted fracture of the humerus; severe hemorrhage.” Ivan was three years old.
What are the chances that the connections of the horses named above would be prosecuted for violating the Animal Welfare laws in the State of California?
Everything described and pictured above indicates that the three horses named above (METICULUS, NON COMPLIANT, & IVAN THE GREAT) were clearly victims of the type and degree of abuse that maims and kills, and illustrates that Section 1902.5 (Animal Welfare) of the California Code and Regulations was violated in each case.
I hate to think that the chances that any of the owners and trainers connected to these horses being prosecuted for violating the Animal Welfare laws is slim to none. I hate it that the owners and trainers who should be prosecuted will be free to do this to more horses as if nothing horrifically sadistic and bad happened.