re: Santa Anita racetrack strikes again, 22 horses killed in less than 3 months

Pasadena Times

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has informed members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) that it has assigned investigators to look into the circumstances under which trainers and veterinarians may have been involved in the deaths of 23 horses at Santa Anita Park
Racetrack since late December.

As that was developing, a bill written by a local member of Congress which could bring increased accountability to the sport of kings was introduced for reconsideration.

Meanwhile, a horse racing official acknowledged that the racehorse deaths at the Santa Anita track might prove to be a “Blackfish” moment for the horse racing industry.

“It could, it could,” said Rick Baedeker, executive director of the California Horse Racing Board in a March 14 interview with FOX News. “It’s at risk.”

The critically acclaimed documentary “Blackfish” focused on the treatment of killer whales living at SeaWorld and led to widespread criticism of the popular water park.

But it could be far worse for Santa Anita. In California, voters have the power to ban the sport in the state.

“The voters authorized horseracing in 1933 and they have the ultimate call,” Baedeker explained.

Animal rights activists have been successful in ending animal competitions.

On Thursday, officials at the track banned all same-day medication, including Lasix, a powerful diuretic which removes excess fluid from horses. They also banned the whipping of horses.