Horses have been a part of racing for centuries, but recently, the number of race horses being put down in Australia has come into question. While the exact number is not known, it is estimated that hundreds of race horses are put down each year in Australia due to injury, illness, or simply being too slow to make a profit. This article will look at the number of race horses being put down in Australia and the reasons why, as well as the efforts being made to reduce the number of horses being euthanized.
Reasons Why Race Horses are Put Down
There are several reasons why race horses are put down in Australia each year. The most common reason is injury, as horses can suffer serious injuries while racing or in training, such as broken bones and other serious injuries. In some cases, these injuries can be so severe that the horse must be put down in order to end its suffering.
Illness is another common reason why race horses are put down in Australia. Horses can suffer from a variety of illnesses, such as colic, which can be very serious and sometimes fatal. Horses can also suffer from diseases such as equine influenza, which can be difficult to treat and can lead to euthanasia.
Finally, some race horses are simply too slow to make a profit and are put down as a result. This is especially true for younger horses who have not yet had the opportunity to prove themselves in races.
Estimated Number of Race Horses Put Down Each Year
The exact number of race horses put down each year in Australia is not known, as it is not a practice that is widely reported or monitored. However, it is estimated that hundreds of race horses are put down each year in Australia, with some estimates as high as 1,000 horses.
How to Reduce the Number of Race Horses Put Down
There are several measures that can be taken to reduce the number of race horses put down each year in Australia. One of the most important steps is to ensure that horses are appropriately cared for and monitored while racing and in training. This includes providing the horses with proper nutrition, adequate rest, and regular veterinary care.
In addition, race horses should be retired as soon as they are no longer able to race competitively. This will ensure that horses are not kept in racing for too long and are retired with dignity.
Finally, it is important to ensure that horses are not overbred. This can lead to a surplus of horses that do not have a home, which can lead to them being put down.
Rehoming Race Horses
One of the most important measures taken to reduce the number of race horses put down each year is to ensure that retired horses are rehomed. This can be done through various means, such as sending the horse to a sanctuary or retiring it to a hobby farm.
It is also important to ensure that retired race horses are given the opportunity to find new homes and that they are not simply put down. This can be done through a variety of means, such as offering the horse for adoption or finding it a new home through a rehoming program.
Government Initiatives
The Australian government has taken steps to reduce the number of race horses put down each year. In 2019, the government introduced the Racehorse Rehoming and Retirement Program, which provides funding to rehome retired race horses. The program also provides funding for the care of horses in retirement and for equine welfare research.
The government has also implemented the National Horse Welfare Program, which provides funding to improve the welfare of horses in Australia. This includes funding for research, education, and initiatives to help horses in need.
The Role of the Racing Industry
The racing industry also has a role to play in reducing the number of race horses put down each year. Racing organizations should ensure that horses are given the best possible care while racing and in retirement. This includes providing the horses with proper nutrition, adequate rest, and regular veterinary care.
In addition, racing organizations should ensure that horses are retired when they are no longer able to race competitively. They should also ensure that retired horses are given the opportunity to find new homes, rather than being put down.
The Role of the Public
The public also has an important role to play in reducing the number of race horses put down each year. People can do their part by donating to equine welfare organizations, such as the RSPCA and Animal Welfare League, or by adopting retired race horses.
It is also important for the public to be aware of the number of race horses being put down each year and to support initiatives that are aimed at reducing this number.
Conclusion
The exact number of race horses put down each year in Australia is not known, but it is estimated to be in the hundreds. There are several measures that can be taken to reduce this number, such as ensuring that horses are given the best care while racing and in retirement, rehoming retired horses, and supporting government initiatives and the racing industry. The public also has a role to play in reducing the number of race horses put down each year by donating to equine welfare organizations and adopting retired horses.
By taking these steps, we can help reduce the number of race horses put down each year in Australia and ensure that horses are given the best possible care.