MH Vatavaran, the Environment Society of Miranda House in collaboration with AAVYA , presented a documentary “Dominion”, an Aussie Farms production under the Farms Transparency Project showcasing the horrors and barbaric, inhumane behavior meted out to the animals of dairy industry. Here's a brief report on one of the animals the documentary discusses about.
Horses have been used as a transport and racing animal since ancient times. But in the modern world, one can see undue and excessive exploitation of horses in various commercial sectors ranging from racing to horse-meat industry. Even though the skeletal maturity of horses is attained at around 5 years of age but they are forced into racing at just 2 – years in lure of high profits over the investments put into them. This definitely increases risks of injuries which includes 80% of horses suffering from Shin soreness or Dorsal metacarpal disease. On the racing tracks, despite stringent racing rules of non-whipping in the early stage of the race, they are still mercilessly whipped in the last lap of the race (100 mts) when the horses are highly exhausted and thus, such horses get blood in their windpipe and lungs along with stomach ulcers. Also, jump racing is 19 times more dangerous than flap racing as the horses often stumble upon the obstacles and get horrible injuries.
In Australia, about 11, 000 – 12,000 horses are newly registered for racing and about the same number leaves the industry each year due to unsuitability for racing and many are often killed on the tracks , by erecting a green screen and performing the deed, after they are badly injured during the race. Many such horses are sent to knackeries where they are killed for pet foods or are stored as baits for greyhounds training. Some even end up at licensed horse abattoirs for supplying horse-meat. Horses are used in Rodeos too which is a contest where cowboys show their skill at riding broncos, calves etc.
Solution
Horse abuse is a major issue among animal cruelty we listen to around us. But proper steps can be taken against it to bring it to a halt. There are varied ways to stand against horse abuse or barbarous exploitation of horses :
At the legal level :
Well-designed and stringent laws should be formulated for protection of animals especially for safeguarding horses against brutal receptions. Laws restricting initiation of horses on racing tracks before 5 years of age with complete skeletal and biological maturity should be immediately inflicted.
Laws confining the count of horses entering the racing industry can be brought in. Less painful methods of killing horses should be devised for those which are suffering from fatal injuries or have no prospects of improving on health.
India has a comprehensive law for animal protection - Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 which could be further elaborated with separate sections for rules regarding protection of specific animals.
Also, firm laws should be framed for the dairy and meat industry as well upon ruthless slaughter of horses which can improve upon their health and recover from their injuries.
At Infrastructural level :
Construction of more veterinary hospitals and recruitment of veterinary doctors should be done in large numbers so that we have enough medical force for regularly examining horses and tending to their injuries whenever needed.
Animal inspectors could be appointed at every racing complex and dairy - meat factories to keep a check over the condition of horses being brought there and periodic audit of racing complexes, knackeries and abattoirs should be done. Needful funds should be instituted for such purposes.
At Society and Individual level :
Individuals hearing about such horses - abuses can report them to the concerned animal protection authorities for which the government should set-up helpline numbers and departments to handle them.
Social media campaigns could be started to raise voice against such incidents and create awareness among people.
Animal protection and awareness clubs should be started in schools/colleges to start help-campaigns for stopping animal especially cruelty with horses.
If the above steps could be implemented in a planned manner, then horse abuse can be stopped and a better ecosystem could be created for their growth in a healthy manner.
- By HARSHA, 2nd year, B.A.(H)Sociology
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