An animal rights NGO has called on Hong Kong racing officials to investigate the recent deaths of Seasons Wit and other horses, according to a press statement last Friday.
Seasons Wit. File photo: Jockey Club.
The horse was euthanised after it fractured its left ankle during a race at Happy Valley racetrack in Causeway Bay last Wednesday. The horse’s jockey – Lyle Hewitson – was subsequently transported to the hospital for medical treatment according to the Hong Kong Jockey Club race incident report.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia said that Seasons Wit is the fourth horse to die on local racetracks in just the last two months, with other accidents earlier in the year.
In their statement, PETA Asia Senior Vice President Jason Baker said that racing was too often a “death sentence for horses.”
Happy Valley racecourse. File Photo: Jockey Club.
“PETA is calling on Hong Kong racing officials to investigate the deaths of Seasons Wit and the other horses who’ve died and release all veterinary and medical records to determine if the animals had pre-existing injuries and should have been scratched from the races. Horseracing must not be bloodsport.”
PETA Asia told HKFP on Friday that they have yet to receive a response.
HKFP has contacted the Hong Kong Jockey Club for comment.
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