The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is asking residents to boycott horseraces after one horse died and another was injured on the same day at Hastings Racecourse.
On Sept. 6, VHS says a 4-year-old horse named Be Sparky was “pulled up lame” by its jockey after a race. Be Sparky was reportedly removed from the track and remains in the trainer’s barn with injury.
Later that night, another 4-year-old horse named Lucky Cowboy suffered a fracture in one of his legs and was euthanized.
VHS says B.C.’s Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB), which oversees horse racing in the province, has confirmed that Lucky Cowboy marks the third death of the racing season at the racecourse. Another two horses, Lizzie’s Rayne and Kiki’s Song of Life, died in May and August respectively.
The society says 11 horses died last year between B.C.’s two racecourses – of which eight deaths were at the Hastings venue.
VHS Campaign Director Emily Pickett says the last two deaths mark an unacceptable “pattern of suffering.”
“Horses like Lucky Cowboy and Be Sparky are paying the ultimate price for human entertainment, and we cannot stand by while horses continue to die,” said Pickett.
The Humane Society is asking the public to sign an online pledge, vowing not to attend horse races in protest.
The society says over 2,000 people have signed the pledge as of Wednesday.
1130 NewsRadio has reached out to Great Canadian Entertainment, the managing company for the Hastings Racecourse and Casino for comment.