AT Royal Ascot, we saw the usual hype and hats, but how many people really know the truth behind horse racing?
Very few horses earn high winnings and become famous. The vast majority lead stressful lives, which all too often involve crippling injuries and premature deaths - 75 per cent of all racehorses wind up at the slaughterhouse.
They may endure trips of up to 36 hours in double-deck cattle trucks with no stops for food, water or rest. Those that manage to avoid slaughter are sold at auction to people who do not know how to look after them properly, often ending up in appalling conditions.
It is time we stopped exploiting these beautiful animals in a commercial venture with no regard for the horses' welfare.
ANDREW BUTLER, Campaigns Co-ordinator, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, PO Box 3169, London.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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