Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/maryland-horse-racing/

The world of horse racing in Maryland, particularly at Laurel Park, has recently faced intense scrutiny over the safety and welfare of its equine athletes.

This concern comes in light of several horse fatalities, sparking a debate on the future of the sport in the state and the measures necessary to ensure animal safety.

A Series of Tragedies

Laurel Park, one of Maryland’s premier racing venues, has been under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The track experienced a distressing number of horse deaths, prompting a temporary suspension of races and a thorough review of its facilities and practices. Despite reassurances from track officials and the implementation of new safety protocols, the shadow of past incidents looms large over the industry.

“What it comes down to is there’s no humane way to abuse an animal, and horseracing is animal abuse. So, we are here today and every day moving forward to end horseracing,” said Jennifer Sully, the Maryland organizer of Horseracing Wrongs, told WBAL.

Measures to improve the safety of the sport include pre-race veterinary examinations, strict medication and training requirements, increasing the cushion on the track, and technology like StrideSafe to detect potential risks before they lead to injuries, The Baltimore Banner reports.

Despite efforts to improve conditions, the sport continues to face criticism from animal rights groups and concerned citizens. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) issued a report attempting to address the causes behind the cluster of fatalities at Laurel Park, though no single factor was identified.

Experts like John and organizations such as the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association have been involved in inspections and consultations, aiming to enhance the track’s safety and prevent further tragedies.

“It is notable that following the track maintenance procedures that were implemented after Mr. Moore’s and Mr. Passero’s visits, there were no further fatalities during the spring meet,” the HISA report said. “Therefore, it would be reasonable to assume that those changes contributed to a safer surface going forward.”

The Bigger Picture: Age and Training

A concerning aspect often cited is the age at which horses start racing. Critics argue that starting too young puts these animals at a greater risk of injury, Scripps News reports.

As Canadian Thoroughbred reports, a 2-year-old racing horse to a human child in kindergarten in terms of physical development. This factor, combined with the intense training and racing schedules, could contribute significantly to the health risks these animals face.

Community and Economic Impacts

The horse racing industry in Maryland is not just about sport; it’s a significant economic driver, with events like the Maryland Million generating substantial revenue. However, the financial benefits are overshadowed by the ethical considerations surrounding the sport, reports Maryland Matters, especially when the cost is measured in the lives of the horses.

A Call for Change

The situation at Laurel Park and the broader issues within the horse racing industry in Maryland have catalyzed calls for significant reform. The horse racing industry, in its current form, is inherently harmful to the animals involved, National Geographic reports, and must come to an end for the sake of their welfare.

In conclusion, the plight of racing horses in Maryland underscores a complex issue at the intersection of sport, economy, and animal rights. The recent incidents at Laurel Park have heightened awareness and prompted actions aimed at reforming the industry. Yet, the path forward remains contentious, with stakeholders divided on the best approach to safeguarding the welfare of these majestic animals.

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Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog