Animal Welfare United States Project #45514

Help end horseracing in the United States

by Horseracing Wrongs Inc.

Project Report | Feb 21, 2024
Two U.S. Horseracing Tracks Closed for GOOD!

By Nicole Arciello | Executive Director

We are pleased to share exciting news of two tracks closing in the U.S. brining the total number of shuttered tracks since 2000 to 45!

After 80 years of abusing horses, Northville Downs in Michigan ran its final race on Saturday February 3, 2024 marking a significant step towards ending the cruel and deadly horseracing industry. The property's sale to a housing developer, coupled with our active role in thwarting the move to Plymouth Township, resulted in the closure of yet another track.

This victory, making Northville the eighth track to shut down in Michigan since 2000, reflects the progress we're making in our mission. And leaves the state of Michigan with no commercial horseracing!

And another!

After 35 years of abusing horses, Sun Downs Racetrack in Washington State is now closed for good! This closure leaves Washington with just one commercial track.

Goodbye cruelty!

Now more than ever, it's clear that the public no longer supports this cruelty to horses under the banner of "sport."

We at Horseracing Wrongs are committed to staying vigilant. If the industry makes another attempt to find a new location in Michigan, we'll be there every step of the way to stop it, expanding our track record of effectively opposing new racing proposals in states such as Massachusetts and Georgia.

Thanks to our caring supporters who believe in us and this mission, we are one step closer to ending horseracing in the US. Please consider making a donation, and join us now to help end this cruel and deadly industry for good. Every dollar brings the horses one step closer to freedom.

Together, we're making a difference for these incredible creatures.

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Oct 30, 2023
Victory! Holding Animal Abusers Accountable

By Nicole Arciello | Executive Director

On September 28th, Horseracing Wrongs took a momentous stride in the pursuit of justice for horses in the racing industry.

Horseracing Wrongs obtained, through a Freedom of Information request, a deeply disturbing video documenting animal cruelty.

Horseracing trainer/driver, Dale Hiteman, mercilessly beat a tied-up 2-year-old Princess Laa (at Hoosier Park, Indiana) because she was “acting up.” A 2-year-old horse who suffers from a pre-existing neck injury that causes her to “hold her head crooked.” Princess Laa has said repeatedly, in the only way she can, that she doesn’t want to be enslaved as a racehorse.

Just days later, in response to the widespread outrage and undeniable evidence presented in the video, the United States Trotting Association (USTA) revoked the license of Dale Hiteman.

We celebrated that victory, while continuing to present evidence to the Madison County prosecutor's office. On October 12th, the office confirmed that they had launched a criminal investigation.

On October 17th, we received an email from Andrew Hanna, Chief Deputy Prosecutor of Madison County, Indiana, bringing us the momentous announcement that Dale Hiteman has been formally charged with Cruelty to an Animal, a Class A misdemeanor.

This victory is a direct outcome of Horseracing Wrongs' cruelty investigation that exposed the video evidence of the abuse to Princess Laa, followed by mobilizing support to call upon the Madison County District Attorney's office to conduct a thorough investigation.

This is truly historic.

Up until now, it has been practically impossible to bring charges against anyone working in an animal-use industry.

As we celebrate this significant victory, let's also remember that our work is far from over. With your continued support, we can keep working to end horseracing cruelty until this whole industry is a thing of the past.

Thank you for being a part of this momentous journey. Together, we can end this cruel industry for good.

*The contents of this footage is profoundly distressing, however it serves as a stark reminder of the pressing imperative to bring an end to the horseracing industry.

A still photo of the video of Princess Laa

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Jul 10, 2023
Media Breakthroughs and Legislative Victories for the Horses!

By Nicole Arciello | Executive Director

Patrick on CNN!

Legislative Victory!

New York will become the fifth state to shut down the slaughter pipeline (to Canada and Mexico).

Bill (S2163/A5109) that would “prohibit any person from possessing, selling, importing, etc, a horse or horseflesh if such person knows or should have known that any part of such horse or horseflesh will be used for human or animal consumption” has passed both houses of the NYS Legislature and will only need the governor’s signature to become law!

As we strive for change it becomes evident that these individual victories collectively contribute to a broader movement. State-level triumphs amplify the impact and significance of animal rights initiatives. With each step forward, we can celebrate these wins for horses and recognize the increasing momentum toward a more compassionate world for all animals.

Horseracing Wrongs actively supported the legislation, with a memo and lobbying – office visits, phone calls, etc. We thank our passionate New York supporters and everyone who made calls, sent emails and spread the word to get this passed!

Triple Crown Billboards and Ad Campaign!

Thanks to your support, we have launched impactful mobile billboards (4 total!) at the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes along with a large-scale ad campaigns in Baltimore and New York City! Millions of people were exposed to the message: Horseracing is Animal Cruelty, Horseracing Kills Horses.

Media Breakthroughs!

Since January, Horseracing Wrongs has received extensive media coverage, with nearly 30 media outlets shining a spotlight on our cause! Features on ESPN, CNN, USA Today and op-eds on MSNBC, Katie Couric and The Baltimore Sun. This level of attention is a testament to our efforts in raising awareness and advocating for the end of horseracing. See all it all here!

New and Improved Website!

We have officially launched our new website at www.horseracingwrongs.org! This significant milestone marks a turning point in our mission to expose the cruelty and advocate for the end of horseracing.

This user-friendly platform offers comprehensive information, compelling visuals, and invaluable resources. Our new website is designed to enhance accessibility, education, and awareness about the cruelty that horses endure within the industry while giving visitors ways to get involved to help save them.

Please take a moment to visit our new website, www.horseracingwrongs.org, and share it with others who may be interested in learning more about this critical issue.

We need YOU help the horses!

We are immensely grateful for your continued support, whether it be through spreading awareness, making donations, or engaging in discussions surrounding this crucial issue. We can't do what we do with out the help and generous support of this amazing community! Together, we are making a difference in the lives of horses.

Make a donation today to help amplify our message, raise awareness and advocate for these magnificent animals.

New York City Ad Campaign

Slaughter Bill Passes NYS Legislature!

Patrick's Statement on CNN

Baltimore Ad Campaign

Horseracing Wrongs at the NYS Capitol

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