The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has stated that it will not yield to threats made by the animal rights organization “Animal Rising.” The group had declared that it would cease its demonstrations this summer if the BHA agreed to a televised discussion on the morality of horse racing.
The BHA will not engage in a televised discussion.
“Animal Rising” made the announcement earlier today (June 16) in a press release. BHA Chief Executive Officer Julie Harrington said the organization will not be compelled to “conduct any activity through the threat of protest.”
Harrington stated, “‘Animal Rising’ said in a press release today that they would halt their protests this summer if British horseracing agreed to a public debate on the ‘ethics of horse racing.’ We will never allow British horseracing to be coerced into doing anything due to protest threats.”
Harrington said that “Animal Rising’s” demonstrations at the 2023 Epsom Derby—which the BHA last week called “reckless and dangerous”—demonstrate that their public pronouncements are not dependable.
She continued, “‘Animal Rising’ has shown through their reckless actions at the Epsom Derby that their public commitments are unreliable. They have shown that they are willing to violate the law, putting the safety of horses and people at risk, to achieve their objectives.”
Harrington also pointed out that the racing representative has been on television for over an hour since April, and they are dedicated to advancing horse racing.
“I want to restate my plea for Animal Rising to halt their hazardous actions against this pastime that millions of people legally partake in every year.”
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