Media release – Animal Liberation Tasmania, 5 November 2024
Nup to the Cup Protest
Today members of Animal Liberation Tasmania, the Greens, and the community gathered in the nipaluna/Hobart CBD this morning to protest against the running of the Melbourne Cup, and the entire racing industry nationwide.
We stand against the exploitation of animals for gambling profits, the community harms of mass commercial gambling operations, and Ladbrokes’ commercial interests in Israel during a genocide (including parent company Entain’s purchase of Israeli startup 365Scores, which was founded by former members of the IDF.
“At the forefront, this is an animal rights issues. These horses, and greyhounds, are bred, used, and discarded by a system that completely ignores their rights, their autonomy, and their safety. But there are so many community issues operating alongside the central animal rights message; when we stand together we can make change.” – Kristy Alger, spokesperson Animal Liberation Tasmania.
“The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses recently released their 2024 ‘DeathWatch’ report. 151 horses were killed on tracks around the country, or due to race-related health issues, including Tasmanian Hell Toff, a two year old who snapped his hind fetlock completely whilst being raced in January this year. Two other horses were killed in Tasmania during the racing season also.
“Further, off the track, horses are being killed to be fed to exploited greyhounds, jockeys continue to be fined and suspended for whipping and careless riding rule infractions. Tasracing even celebrated a retiring trainer on her retirement, after she was found guilty of neglecting horses on her property, with one being found with a body score of 1/5. This is the racing industry, and we stand opposed.” – Kristy Alger
Cassy O’Connor MLC, Greens Animal Justice spokesperson, 5 November 2024
Greens Say Nup to the Cup
While Liberal and Labor politicians are celebrating the Melbourne Cup today, the Greens are again joining a growing number of Tasmanians and saying ‘Nup to the Cup’.
In recent years, we’ve seen evidence of the cruelty and death facing horses competing in the Melbourne Cup. These awful events, the work of investigative journalists and animal advocacy organisations have all accelerated the decline in public support for racing.
The community increasingly understands cruelty is inherent to the racing industry. Horses regularly die on racetracks and at training facilities across the country. Many, if not most, of these beautiful animals are sent to the abattoir at the end of their racing lives. There is no lifelong tracking of horses born into the industry.
Racing is a multi-million dollar industry with a business model built on exploiting animals for profit. This inevitably leads to neglect, abuse, cruelty and early death. In Tasmania, this is funded by a $40 million annual public subsidy. It’s appalling.
The Melbourne Cup is no longer the race that stops the nation. It’s losing public support and money each year.
The Greens will always be strong advocates for animal justice, and we’re proud to join with more Tasmanians than ever in saying ‘Nup to the Cup’.
