Speaking in regards to images printed in the Daily Mirror newspaper on Saturday 20 September 2014, Robin Mounsey, Media Manager for the British Horseracing Authority (ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½), said:
“We are appalled by the Daily Mirror’s decision to publish these photos, and also to contextualise the images in the manner that they have.
“All that the images show is a veterinary surgeon doing his job and carrying out an act of humanity to prevent an animal from suffering. They show the same actions as would be taken by a vet whether the incident was occurring on a racecourse or at home in a field and we do not understand where the public interest lays in publishing these images or why they should be used to open a debate about Horseracing.
“We will be seeking a meeting with the editor of the Daily Mirror in regards to this issue and the use of these photos in such a manner.
“It is typical of Animal Aid to use images such as this to drive their own publicity and agenda, which is not the welfare of thoroughbred horses. Animal Aid are not a welfare organisation, nor are they a charity. They campaign for the banning of Horseracing, despite the disastrous effect that this would have on the thoroughbred horse as a breed, and the rural economy.”
Notes to Editors
1. In response to the article published in the Daily Mirror, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ made the following full statements regarding the incident and the high standards of equine welfare that exist within British Racing: /press_releases/equine-welfare-british-horseracing/