Tell New York to Stop Bailing Out the Cruel Horse Racing Industry

In May 2023, 12 horses died in Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. And these numbers are a part of a larger problem. Thousands of racehorses around and outside of the US die every year due to being abused and pushed to the brink of their physical limits. They begin their racing training at just 2 years old, and are sometimes kept in isolated cramped spaces for up to 23 hours per day. Many horses suffer fractured legs or die from heart failure due to the excessive running they are forced to do. During races, they are whipped to encourage speed. The horses that somehow survive all of this treatment suffer from various long-term health issues and as many as ten thousand racehorses are sold for slaughter every year once they are no longer profitable to the racing industry.

How could anyone let this cruel treatment continue for the sake of a sport? Well, some argue that horse racing is popular and hence profitable. But, in the state of New York at least, this is simply not true. In fact, attendance rates at horse races in New York have been on the decline for decades, to the point where for most races, there are almost no spectators at all. A 2021 Marist Poll found that 91% of New Yorkers have no intention of ever attending a horse race. The profitability of horse racing in New York reflects these attendance numbers, with the revenue they bring in not being enough to sustain the tracks, or the races, or the horses.

So how has the horse racing industry not died in New York? Every year, the horse racing industry in New York receives $230 million in government subsidies, mainly coming from casino revenue.

In total, over $3 billion in casino revenue has been used to prop up this cruel, dying industry that New Yorkers do not support. These are funds that could be going towards public welfare (i.e. infrastructure and education), which is what New Yorkers actually want.

The original reasoning for these subsidies was to help horse racing become more popular and profitable, but after 18 years of subsidies attendance and profits are very clearly still on the decline. Furthermore, people in the horse racing industry, both horse owners and race track owners, receive tax breaks and a multitude of other benefits. And to make matters worse, these subsidies are expected to increase, which could cost the New York taxpayers at least $1 billion every four years.

Fortunately, there are elected officials in New York that see this issue and want to put an end to it. Senate Bill S5438, introduced by Sen. Robert Jackson, and Assembly Bill A01162, introduced by Assembly member Linda B. Rosenthal, would redirect the $230 million dollars in casino revenue away from horse racing and towards education. Senate Bill S00481, introduced by Sen. Julia Salazar, and Assembly Bill A01438, also introduced by Rosenthal, would end sales tax exemptions for racehorses. If these bills were passed not only would the industry of horse racing in New York likely come to an end, but education in New York could be improved in many ways.

Take Action Now

Please sign this petition to urge the New York State Assembly to pass Senate Bill S5438, Assembly Bill A01162, Senate Bill S00481, and Assembly Bill A01438. The only way to truly protect horses is to end the industry. If we make our voices heard, not only can we end a cruel and dying industry, saving the lives of thousands of horses, but we can help the children of New York.

SPEAK OUT AGAINST THE CRUELTY: