Speaking in regards to images printed in the Daily Mirror newspaper on Saturday 20 September 2014, Robin Mounsey, Media Manager for the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), said:

“We are appalled by the Daily Mirror’s decision to publish these photos, and also to contextualise the images in the manner that they have.

“All that the images show is a veterinary surgeon doing his job and carrying out an act of humanity to prevent an animal from suffering. They show the same actions as would be taken by a vet whether the incident was occurring on a racecourse or at home in a field and we do not understand where the public interest lays in publishing these images or why they should be used to open a debate about Horseracing.

“We will be seeking a meeting with the editor of the Daily Mirror in regards to this issue and the use of these photos in such a manner.

“It is typical of Animal Aid to use images such as this to drive their own publicity and agenda, which is not the welfare of thoroughbred horses. Animal Aid are not a welfare organisation, nor are they a charity. They campaign for the banning of Horseracing, despite the disastrous effect that this would have on the thoroughbred horse as a breed, and the rural economy.”

Notes to Editors

1. In response to the article published in the Daily Mirror, BHA made the following full statements regarding the incident and the high standards of equine welfare that exist within British Racing: https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/equine-welfare-british-horseracing/