Alleged abuse of racehorses in spotlight

HORSERACING is a multi-million rand business in South Africa, but behind the glitz and glamour of racing events and the betting that goes with it, are the horses, whom the National Council of SPCA's (NSPCA) say are subject to abuse, illegal harnessing, including the racing of horses that are too young to race.

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

In a tense meeting between the NSPCA and the National Horseracing Authority, concerns were raised on crop (short whip) use, tongue-ties, and the racing of two-year-old horses.

The NSPCA, which recently launched its #ReinInThePain campaign, said the industry's practices "compromise equine welfare" and questioned whether a regulatory body "so reliant on the success of the commercial side of horse racing can consistently and objectively enforce animal welfare standards."

Dr Bryce Marock, consulting veterinarian at the NSPCA, said: "As the custodians of animal welfare in South Africa, we cannot and will not compromise our legal mandate to protect animals simply to make collaboration easier. The welfare of horses is not negotiable."

At the meeting, the NSPCA accused the NHA of shifting responsibility rather than enforcing accountability.

"Calling for 'more research' is a diversion from the core issue: meaningful enforcement and reform. The focus must now be on action, not justification," Marock explained.