Point to Point Racing exposé

 

At Least 62 Racehorses Dead, puppies as Young as 10 Days Old Shot or Clubbed to Death 

With a Bank Holiday Monday point to point race scheduled on our doorstep, in the shadow of The Wrekin, we are shining a light on what these races are for, and what people attending, and taking part are actually providing money for.

Point-to-point racing and fox hunting have long been intertwined activities, with point-to-point races originally designed to keep hunt horses fit during the non-hunting season. 

While on the surface, these events may seem like harmless traditions, a closer look reveals troubling issues related to illegal hunting practices, and the welfare of both the hounds and horses.

Firstly, let's delve into the practice of fox hunting. Despite being banned in England, Wales, and Scotland, there is overwhelming evidence to suggest that hunts continue to flout these laws. In fact, the latest arrests for hunting activities by hunts in Shropshire was January 2024. 

The Hunting Act 2004 and the Protection of Wild Mammals Act 2002 were hard-won victories for animal welfare advocates, yet it appears that these regulations are being either ignored or exploited by hunting groups. This blatant disregard for the law raises serious concerns about the welfare of foxes and the ethics of those involved in these activities.

Furthermore, public opinion overwhelmingly opposes hunting, with more than eight out of ten individuals, including those in rural areas and conservative voters, expressing disapproval of these practices. This widespread condemnation underscores the fact that hunting is not a divisive issue based on location or social class but rather a matter of animal cruelty and ethical considerations.

When it comes to point-to-point racing, which is closely associated with fox hunting, it is essential to consider the implications for hound welfare and horse welfare. 

Hounds used in hunting are often subjected to harsh conditions and risks, including injuries and exhaustion, in the pursuit of prey. As reported in mainstream media, thousands of hounds are put down every year, many being clubbed to death or shot in the head, including puppies as young as 10 days old, for nothing more than being judged not strong enough,

Similarly, horses involved in point-to-point races may face physical strain and the potential for mistreatment in pursuit of victory. Just this year, since January 2024, there have been 62 racing horse deaths at time of writing. There is more, however the racing fraternity do not release data on horses that have suffered injuries on courses, and later put down when they are back at the stables.

Therefore, based on the evidence of illegal hunting practices, public opposition to hunting, and concerns about animal welfare in both hound and horse racing, it is clear that supporting or participating in point-to-point racing, betting on these events, or engaging and spending money on any activities associated with point to point is helping fund hunts between seasons, fox hunting is not only ethically questionable but also contributes to the perpetuation of animal cruelty. 

It is incumbent upon us to stand against such practices and advocate for the well-being of all creatures involved by not attending, betting or supporting these events in any way.

Channel 4 News Expose Illegal Fox Hunting - 

https://youtu.be/IPzrx6RAxl4?si=_ExQR6OICobmLpwX

Racehorse Death Watch -

https://www.horsedeathwatch.com/

Keep The Ban’s animation A trail of lies, narrated by TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham and voiced by actor Peter Egan, documents key moments since fox hunting was made illegal in England when the Hunting Act 2004 came into force.

https://www.surgeactivism.org/articles/trail-of-lies-new-animation-draws-attention-to-fox-hunting-smokescreen