RSPCA celebrates end of deadliest form of horse racing in SA

RSPCA South Australia has welcomed yesterday’s passing of amendments to SA’s Animal Welfare Act that make jumps racing illegal in this state.

The Bill, put forward by The Greens, passed in the lower house this afternoon after receiving majority support from the new Labor government.

The decision follows the announcement last October by Racing SA that there would be no jumps races scheduled this year.

RSPCA SA’s Animal Welfare Advocate Dr Rebekah Eyers thanked all MPs who voted in support of the Bill, saying it was not only a win for animal welfare but also for the future of racing in SA.

“We know that many involved in horse racing are pleased with this decision because for too long the high number of injuries and deaths resulting from jumps have stained the whole industry,” Dr Eyers said.

“The jumps racing season in Victoria so far has only added to the mountain of evidence that this activity needed to end.”

In the 12 race meetings in Victoria up until 19th June that included jumps races: • 2 horses died (none died in the flat races)

• 12 horses fell (none fell in the flat races)

• 15 jockeys fell (1 fell in a flat race)

• 7 horses suffered exercise-induced pulmonary haermorrhage (bleeding from the lungs) (3 in flat races)

“There were 43 jumps races compared to 60 flat races at these 12 meetings – the facts show beyond doubt that jumps racing is far more dangerous for horses, and for jockeys too,” Dr Eyers said.

Victoria is now the only state in Australia to stage jumps races, with the final races for the 2022 season scheduled to run at Ballarat on 28 August.

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