AN animal rights group protested outside Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday to raise awareness of the ‘horrific realities of the horse-racing industry in South Africa’.
Thousands of people from across the country flocked to Greyville Race Course as the Durban July welcomed back fans for the first time in two years.
According to Prathna Singh, a member of the activist group, Ban Animal Trading South Africa, they hoped to educate patrons on the horse-racing industry.
“This protest was to make people aware of the abuse that animals endure whenever money is involved. We are hoping that people will stop seeing animals as commodities, and rather make the compassionate choice to stop funding the horse-racing industry,” she said.
In a response to Northglen News, Gold Circle’s event marketing executive Steve Marshall said Gold Circle recognised the right of the protesters to stage their protest.
He added that the organisation, and the Hollywoodbets Durban July as an event, were continuously mindful of the standards set for the welfare of thoroughbreds used in the horse-racing industry.
“Every year there is a public event around the Durban July targeting alleged abuse of racehorses. We fully recognise the rights of these groups to stage the picketing. Equally, we would welcome any contact with these groups when they feel they have an issue relating to allegations of unfair treatment of racehorses at any stage in the year,” Marshall said.
He added Gold Circle also actively supports the Coastal Horse Care Unit that exists to ensure that thoroughbreds are well looked after when they reach the end of their racing days.
