cargo ship

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) has issued a warning to licensees regarding recent reports of inhumane, dangerous, and sometimes lethal practices used in transporting horses internationally, via cargo ship, from the United States. "Overcrowding horses in makeshift containers has reportedly led to numerous deaths and injuries," a release from the KHRC read. "These cargo shipping practices are alarming, abusive, and will not be tolerated in Kentucky. "The KHRC will take immediate licensure action against any licensee who knowingly or willfully directs or participates in activities that abuse, neglect, or...

Aidan Butler, COO of 1/ST RACING, released a public letter to owners, trainers, and any other connections who use any 1/ST facilities, including Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park, warning of a zero-tolerance policy regarding shipping horses via cargo ships. Anyone who is associated with shipping a horse in this manner will not be welcome at any 1/ST racing or training locations, with an immediate removal of all of that person's horses from 1/ST venues. "In consultation with our Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Dionne Benson," wrote Butler, "we have determined that...

I am Shelley Blodgett, co-founder of Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Inc. (CTA), a non-profit (501c3) that helps Thoroughbreds racing in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. I live on the U.S. mainland and have also worked here to help Thoroughbreds and other horse breeds in need. I wrote a letter to the editor published in TDN in September, 2017, asking for help following Hurricane Maria's devastation of Puerto Rico and its racetrack, Hipodromo Camarero. The response was swift and impactful. So many individuals and industry entities were moved to help,...