Each year during Triple Crown, thoroughbreds are made to participate in fiercely competitive races like the Kentucky Derby and the upcoming Belmont Stakes competition. Horse racing has been done for centuries (lame but true), but recently trainers have been exposed for severely drugging horses to help improve their performances. According to this shocking article in The New York Times steroids, Viagra and cobra venom are just some of the performance-enhancing drugs used on the horses to make them stronger and faster, though the dangerous drugs can ultimately cause the animals to perform beyond their ability, resulting in painful injuries, illness and tragic accidents.
This type of abuse for sport is heartbreaking, but there is something you can do. The federal Interstate Horseracing Improvement Act (H.R. 1733/S. 886) addresses this terrifying practice by prohibiting the abusive drugging of racehorses, testing the animals for drugs and imposing tough penalties on those who violate the Act.
This issue is too important to ignore. Contact your representative today and let them know why you support the Interstate Horseracing Improvement Act.
How can we get people to stop supporting the races? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
 
Photo: A Student’s Scoop on Equine Nutrition