Task Force Sought on Humane Treatment

Task Force Sought on Humane Treatment

Edited press release


The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. is proposing a task force that includes the New York Racing Association, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack and the New York State Racing and Wagering Board for the purpose of broadening programs that assist Thoroughbred owners forced with selling their horses while developing a policy that punishes any owner, breeder or trainer that either directly or indirectly contributes to an outcome where a horse is knowingly sent to slaughter.

“Regardless of the difficult economic conditions that touch virtually every business sector, we need an affirmative strategy that allows us to find a safe nurturing environment for thoroughbreds whose owners either can no longer afford to stable them or neglect them,” said Jeffrey A. Cannizzo, executive director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.

The NYTB issued a resolution several years ago condemning the slaughter of horses for human consumption, and Cannisso said it is now stepping up its efforts to rally support for various rescue groups as the recession has placed several horse owners in dire economic straits and they need to be provided with humane options.

“Modest contributions would greatly aid the horse rescue groups that operate throughout New York and the nation,” said Cannizzo. “The recession cannot be made the convenient foil for the expedient disposal of thoroughbred horses by any one. There are means to deal with this emergency and, collectively, our industry will rally to lobby for appropriate solutions.”

Diana Pikulski, executive director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, said, “No one can control the actions of people who are determined to do the “wrong” thing with their horses but you can come up with industry standards and rules, and ramifications for violation of those rules. And, the Thoroughbred industry needs to show the American public that it is taking affirmative steps to protect its horses by developing industry-wide funding mechanisms for humane retirement.”