As the fates of several horses hang in the balance at Ayr following the multiple injuries and falls at the Scottish Grand National festival, Animal Rising have condemned the racing industry and its continued use of horses for entertainment and profit.
Rose Patterson of Animal Rising, who was arrested in 2023 for her attempts to bring the Epsom horse races to a halt, commented: “This race was nothing short of carnage.
“The sheer number of horses falling, injured or violently whipped was shocking – this is inexcusable. Over the last week, the racing industry has exposed its grim reality to the viewing public. This cruelty won’t end until racing is halted for good.
“We cannot call ourselves a nation of animal lovers while turning a blind eye to the violence of racing. This industry exploits horses for profit, masking cruelty behind tradition. Until no more horses die for sport, we will keep demanding change.”
Campaigners from Animal Rising were arrested in 2023 after entering the racetrack at Ayr, just a few hours after the death of horse Oscar Elite. The group had attempted to enter the tracks earlier to put the races to a halt to avoid any horse deaths.
Multiple trials are due to take place later this year following the 118 arrests at 2023 Grand National at Aintree, with defendants charged with causing a public nuisance. On Friday 4th April, Animal Rising campaigners also attended a plea hearing regarding the disruption of the Epsom races in 2023, facing charges of public nuisance.
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