How to Identify Racehorse Abuse

When a racehorse is winning at the track it seems as if its owners and trainers treat is like a precious object. Sadly, the truth is that many racehorses are maltreated and abused in order to get them to perform at a higher level. Things get even worse when a winning horse starts losing and owners don't want to invest money in basic care. Follow these steps to identify racehorse abuse.

Instructions

1. Look for welts, scars, burn marks and other signs of beating. One of the most prevalent forms of abuse is the overuse of whips and electric prods to beat the horse.

2. While individuals cannot perform drug tests, race track officials can. Just like professional human athletes, some racehorses are subjected to dangerous and even cruel drugging. Horses who undergo behavioral changes or sudden performance changes may be drugged and track officials should test them.

3. Look for injuries. Some owners and trainers race horses that are injured or sick. Look for limping, dull coats, dull eyes, lethargy, or poor appetite as signs that a racehorse is injured or ill.

4. Look for signs of neglect. Horses who are underweight, have dull eyes and coats, long shaggy hair and are lethargic may be being neglected.

5. Keep an eye on the horse's post-racing life. Most of the severe abuse committed against racehorses occurs after they're useful racing lifetime is over. In the unlikely case that an owner keeps a horse once it can't race, the horse is often neglected. Signs of worms, colitis and generally squalid conditions indicate abuse. Also, try to track a horse's post-career conditions since horses are often sold for experimentation, pet food and other abusive activities.

Resources

• Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society