Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) has called for the immediate suspension of racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia after two more horses died this weekend, saying there was “no reason to wait” for more animals to perish.
“Santa Anita should have suspended racing in March after 23 horses died over a three-month stretch to open the season,” Feinstein said in a statement on Monday. “Now that six more horses have died in just 23 days ― 29 total deaths this season ― the track should suspend racing immediately.”
The racetrack has faced heavy criticism over the spate of horse deaths this year, but so far has resisted all calls for a shutdown. The venue did halt racing in March for a short period to investigate and eventually banned the use of drugs and whips on race days, but it did not discover any anomalies in the track itself that could have contributed to the deaths.
Although the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) recommended that the Santa Anita track suspend its activities for the remaining six race days of its season last week, the racetrack refused. The regulatory board does not have the authority to suspend a race or remove race dates itself “without the approval of the racetrack operator or without holding a public meeting with 10 days public notice.”
“It is our understanding that Santa Anita management, after consultation with certain other industry stakeholders, believes that for a variety of reasons, the future of California racing is best served by continuing to race,” the CHRB said in a statement last week.
It could be possible for the CHRB to gain the authority to suspend or move races in the future, The Los Angeles Times reported, and there is a bill in the California legislature that would allow the body to issue a temporary closure to a track. But it could be months before such authority was granted.
Feinstein, who also called for the Santa Anita track to suspend its races in April, said something appeared to be “seriously wrong” at the venue and no one seems to know what it is.
“We need to take a long pause and do a thorough review of Santa Anita: the track, the practices employed there, what medicines are used, how horses are trained,” Feinstein stated. “We need to get to the bottom of what’s going on and why so many horses are dying. With only two weeks left in the racing season, there’s no reason to wait for more dead horses. Terminate racing at Santa Anita and do it now.”
At the time of this writing, the Santa Anita racetrack is still scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup in November.
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Junebug and Hoedown, Days End Farm
These little ponies (10 hands) have been together for years and are attached at the hip. Although they cannot be ridden, they are wonderful companions for people and barnyard animals, including sheep and goats. They would make a great addition to any home with little to no grass and huge quantities of love.
Athena
A 10 year old, 17 hand Belgian draft mare, Athena is a big girl with big personality to match! Although she has sidebone and cannot be ridden, she loves attention and will be the first to greet you in the field. Athena requires daily low-cost medication to keep her comfortable and daily loving, so lots of pampering and grooming are a must!
Dorian, Middleburg Humane Foundation
This handsome 10 year old, 16.3 TB gleding has been through a lot and deserves a loving forever home. Dorian (Whatdidisay) raced in WV and VA and was at some point abandoned after retirement. When he came to MHF he was underweight, had slipperfoot from lack of hoofcare, achy and depressed. We have gotten his weight back up, a sheen to his coat, and some of the training he needs. Dorian has a lot of potential, but needs a patient, knowledgeable, confident rider/handler. He is easy to catch and stands in crossties. He is still learning good ground manners as far as standing for farrier/grooming/bathing. Dorian can also be cold-backed, and does better when longed for a few minutes prior to riding. He is still fairly green, and needs time, patience and consistency, but shows promise in being very responsive to aids. He has been ridden in the ring and on a trail ride, and we have plans of introducing him to foxhunting scene to see how he does. For further information please contact foster: Tara 703-853-5899 Musicequestrian@aol.com
Lily, Middleburg Humane Foundation
Lily is an approximately 10 yr. old umbrella cockatoo. She was released to MHF after passed through several homes. She is learning new skills everyday and has shown improvement but requires an experienced guardian. You must have parrot experience to be considered to adopt Lily. You may be eligible for adoption if you live within a 50 mile radius of MHS's facility in Marshall, Va.
Roulette , Days End Farm
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Sally, Middleburg Humane Foundation
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Arwen, Middleburg Humane Foundation
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Jackson, Middleburg Humane Foundation
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Qutie, Days End Farm
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Cotton, Middleburg Humane Foundation
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Blondie, Middleburg Humane Foundation
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Fran and Eden, Middleburg Humane Foundation
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Cody, Middleburg Humane Foundation
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Miss Piggy, Middleburg Humane Foundation
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