A message to Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses: Yes, the racing industry really is worth it HERALD SUN OCTOBER 12, 2014 10:00PM IT’S not often that animal activists do animal owners a favour. But that’s precisely what radical fringe group the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses did for horse owners and horse racing last week. Their enormous billboard between Footscray and Racecourse roads (below) — which has been removed — telling us that horse racing “kills” and asking, “Is the party really worth it?” provides the perfect chance to expose some important facts about these extremists. For example, the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, a group that is allegedly concerned with horse welfare, spends virtually no money each year caring for horses. In 2012-13, they spent only $313 on horse rescue and rehoming. During the same period, they spent more than 10 times the amount on photographic equipment and the same again on campaigns and events, printing and stationery. In comparison, racehorse owners spend about $30,000 each year caring for a single racehorse. In Victoria alone, more than $300 million is spent annually on the training, care and welfare of racehorses. But the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses is not the sort to trumpet that fact. That’s why they continue their wildly incorrect claims that 18,000 racehorses are killed each year. In the real world, evidence shows that Australia-wide, between 650 and 960 racehorses are put down per annum. As with family pets, accidents happen, animals age or can’t find homes and so are euthanised. It is important to put those numbers in perspective using further real world figures. According to the RSPCA’s national summary, 10,378 dogs and 19,448 cats were put down by the organisation in 2012-13 alone. In my view, the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses cannot and should not be taken seriously. Their figures shouldn’t be taken at face value. They seem to have no credibility when it comes to spending money on horse welfare. But what should be taken seriously is the economic and cultural damage they continue to inflict on Australia’s horseracing industry, first jumps racing and now flats racing, too. This group has nearly destroyed our rich cultural heritage of jumps racing. Australia’s oldest steeplechase, the Great Western, was first held at Coleraine in 1857. The poet, politician and horseman, Adam Lindsay Gordon, immortalised the track in a poem. Casterton, where horses jump live hedges beneath rolling hills, is one of the prettiest racecourses in Australia. There is no greater sight than watching horses gallop off the course proper and continue cross country, aside from the Melbourne Cup, perhaps. And that is what activists are putting in jeopardy — our history, our culture and our national economic wellbeing. Horse racing is a major employer. It earns significant domestic and international tourism income. A rebuilt jumps racing industry has the potential to grow this further. Like England’s Grand National steeplechase at Aintree, a showcase race should aim to draw 150,000 people and 600 million viewers each year. PREMIER Denis Napthine has been a strong supporter of horse racing and jumps racing, in particular. The Government shows the nation how support for the racing industry can, and should, be done. For too long, Australia has let a vocal minority — animal activists and green do-gooders — attack our history and our culture. We have allowed this radical fringe to damage our economy. As a nation, we have permitted the people who know least about horses — or farming or fishing or forestry, for that matter — to strangle these industries in red tape. We’ve let them dominate media debates and shut down businesses. This hasn’t just damaged our cultural heritage. It hasn’t just hurt our rural communities. It hasn’t just harmed our economy. It has destroyed our economic potential, too. Horse racing is currently worth $2.1 billion to Victoria. With continuing support, particularly for jumps racing, imagine what more it could do. Nicolle Flint is a Herald Sun columnist
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 02:27:18 +0000
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