Calls for stricter safety measures after the death of Elle Est Belle at the Aintree Festival
Posted 9th April 2022
Saturday April 9
Chris Luffingham, director of external affairs at leading animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports, has called for stricter safety measures in horse racing following the second death of a horse at the Aintree Grand National Festival after Elle Est Belle died in the second race today.
He said: “Sadly, the death toll is mounting at the Aintree Festival with Elle Est Belle being the latest casualty of the horse racing and gambling industry.
“Year in, year out, it’s the same old story with horses being whipped to go beyond what they can comfortably achieve and whilst the crowds cheer on the ‘entertainment’, they pay the ultimate price.
“It’s appalling that 57 horses have now died at this festival since the year 2000 and this carnage needs to be stopped.
“The horse racing industry has an appalling safety record and we need tough new measures to ensure the horses get more protection – we need a new independent regulatory body with horse welfare as it number one remit.
“The use of the whip in racing needs to be banned – the vast majority of the public would be shocked if any other animals were whipped, so let’s afford the horse the protection it deserves.”
Solwara One was destroyed at the Aintree Festival on Friday.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
See below for a link to a video highlighting the deaths of horses in the racing industry:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADUzz8ZoYHw
For more information or interview requests please contact the League Against Cruel Sports Press Office on 01483 524250 (24hrs) or email pressoffice@league.org.uk
