Magna Entertainment Corp. (MEC), North America’s largest owner and operator of horse racetracks, announced on October 10 that it has formally adopted a company-wide policy promoting the humane treatment of racehorses. Under the new policy, any trainer or owner stabling at an MEC facility who directly or indirectly participates in the transport of a horse from an MEC facility to either a slaughterhouse or an auction house engaged in selling horses for slaughter will be prohibited from having stalls at any MEC facility. The policy also applies to any actions related to the transport of a horse from an MEC facility where the ultimate intended result is the horse’s slaughter.
Frank Stronach, MEC chairman and chief executive officer, adds, “The goal of the policy is to forewarn industry participants who participate in the slaughter of racehorses that they are not welcome at any of our facilities across the country. I hope other racetrack owners formally adopt similar policies”.
MEC owns and/or operates 10 U.S.-based racetracks including Maryland’s Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness Stakes; California’s Santa Anita Park, which is hosting the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic; and Florida’s Gulfstream Park, home to the Florida Derby.
good.
Thats great.
That’s great! Although I am not against humanely euthanizing horses who no longer have a good quality of life, I am, however, against euthanizing horses who could still have a happy, pain free life. They deserve a home!
I agree. I am against unnecessary slaughter but I’m for humane euthanization.
I am thrilled to see this. Humane euthanasia is a responsible and kind choice if no home can be found, or if a horse is in too much pain. Slaughter has NEVER been a morally acceptable solution – it’s always been the greedy man’s way out, at the expense of the horse. Those who do not want to deal with a living animal and the attached responsibilities should race cars.
Kudos to MEC!!!! Let’s make sure that retired race horses all find good homes, though. Perhaps more pressure needs to be out on Breeders to pay more attention to soundness issues – and perhaps produce less foals overall!