I cannot endorse the racing of an animal for human entertainment and monetary gain. It is, I think, another example of the commodification of an animal to suit human desire.
Given that the entity exists, and given that it results (death aside) in an 'ex-racing dog'... I have friends who have homed ex-racing greyhounds. The dogs that I have met have found loving homes and are, for the most part, docile and relaxed within the house and when in company. That said, the need to run, inherent in the dog, may see it anxious and frustrated if it cannot run freely. If it has the opportunity to run, and enjoy it without causing upset to others - human and non-human - that is to be welcomed. I can only hope for the best - that is, an owner (owners) who care.
However, the best policy, as I [we] see things is this: To do away with animal-based 'entertainment' - which is centered on monetary gain and human interference.
Let the animal be as the animal would naturally be...free of human will, and greed.
I cannot endorse the racing of an animal for human entertainment and monetary gain. It is, I think, another example of the commodification of an animal to suit human desire.
Given that the entity exists, and given that it results (death aside) in an 'ex-racing dog'... I have friends who have homed ex-racing greyhounds. The dogs that I have met have found loving homes and are, for the most part, docile and relaxed within the house and when in company. That said, the need to run, inherent in the dog, may see it anxious and frustrated if it cannot run freely. If it has the opportunity to run, and enjoy it without causing upset to others - human and non-human - that is to be welcomed. I can only hope for the best - that is, an owner (owners) who care.
However, the best policy, as I [we] see things is this: To do away with animal-based 'entertainment' - which is centered on monetary gain and human interference.
Let the animal be as the animal would naturally be...free of human will, and greed.
With best wishes, as ever.
A genuine question and I'm not attempting to be provocative. Based on that comment, are you against all interference by human will on any creature? So for example, are you against the concept of people keeping dogs or cats as pets, because they are certainly not free of human will.
I cannot endorse the racing of an animal for human entertainment and monetary gain. It is, I think, another example of the commodification of an animal to suit human desire.
Given that the entity exists, and given that it results (death aside) in an 'ex-racing dog'... I have friends who have homed ex-racing greyhounds. The dogs that I have met have found loving homes and are, for the most part, docile and relaxed within the house and when in company. That said, the need to run, inherent in the dog, may see it anxious and frustrated if it cannot run freely. If it has the opportunity to run, and enjoy it without causing upset to others - human and non-human - that is to be welcomed. I can only hope for the best - that is, an owner (owners) who care.
However, the best policy, as I [we] see things is this: To do away with animal-based 'entertainment' - which is centered on monetary gain and human interference.
Let the animal be as the animal would naturally be...free of human will, and greed.
With best wishes, as ever.
A genuine question and I'm not attempting to be provocative. Based on that comment, are you against all interference by human will on any creature? So for example, are you against the concept of people keeping dogs or cats as pets, because they are certainly not free of human will.
Great point. While on the subject of free will, you can probably add marriage into the mix and get a wonderful Babbaganoush of a thread.
I think the dogs enjoy racing so I can't see an issue with that, but we all know there is a serious issue when the dog's career is over. That isn't acceptable.
I cannot endorse the racing of an animal for human entertainment and monetary gain. It is, I think, another example of the commodification of an animal to suit human desire.
Given that the entity exists, and given that it results (death aside) in an 'ex-racing dog'... I have friends who have homed ex-racing greyhounds. The dogs that I have met have found loving homes and are, for the most part, docile and relaxed within the house and when in company. That said, the need to run, inherent in the dog, may see it anxious and frustrated if it cannot run freely. If it has the opportunity to run, and enjoy it without causing upset to others - human and non-human - that is to be welcomed. I can only hope for the best - that is, an owner (owners) who care.
However, the best policy, as I [we] see things is this: To do away with animal-based 'entertainment' - which is centered on monetary gain and human interference.
Let the animal be as the animal would naturally be...free of human will, and greed.
With best wishes, as ever.
A genuine question and I'm not attempting to be provocative. Based on that comment, are you against all interference by human will on any creature? So for example, are you against the concept of people keeping dogs or cats as pets, because they are certainly not free of human will.
I asked Anna the following on the deaths at Cheltenham thread regarding the human interference aspect.
Do guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf, sniffer dogs, police dogs and horses, the kings troop or any non thoroughbred horse that is ridden or pulls a carriage etc “rather not have it this way”? All fall under the human interference argument so are any of these targeted? I’d imagine, though don’t know the facts that particularly the kings troop horses undergo similar breaking in to that of a race horse and am sure there are accidents that result in deaths. I’m genuinely interested how, percentage wise those compare to horse racing.
Where does the human interference line get drawn? Vets?
Nothing wrong in being compassionate for the creatures. Thankfully we don't get dog or rooster fighting as an acceptable sport anymore because people like Anna raised concerns and they were banned. It is callous that greyhounds get jettisoned when their racing careers are over and even worse that horses are frequently killed when they get damaged at the races. We have cats in our house but if we ever wanted a dog I would choose an ex racing greyhound. My mate has one and it is a wonderful companion.
I would take issue if the intervention was to the detriment of the animal. Human interference and imposition can be harmful (e.g. Racing, hunting, breeding, 'entertainment', etc.).
There is, of course, much positivity to be enjoyed by interaction with animals. Companion animals are one of life's joys. If one's efforts are kind, geared towards welfare, and not exploitative, the relationship can be positive for both human and non-human animal.
True story ... my mate used to own a stake in a greyhound. Used to race it at Romford. Wasn't quick enough for the shorter distances. Didn't have the stamina for the longer distances. On the longer distances, she would go off like lighting and pull up just before the finish line. We nick named her Scurlow Cramp.
Comments
While on the subject of free will, you can probably add marriage into the mix and get a wonderful Babbaganoush of a thread.
Do guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf, sniffer dogs, police dogs and horses, the kings troop or any non thoroughbred horse that is ridden or pulls a carriage etc “rather not have it this way”?
All fall under the human interference argument so are any of these targeted?
I’d imagine, though don’t know the facts that particularly the kings troop horses undergo similar breaking in to that of a race horse and am sure there are accidents that result in deaths.
I’m genuinely interested how, percentage wise those compare to horse racing.
Where does the human interference line get drawn? Vets?
There is, of course, much positivity to be enjoyed by interaction with animals. Companion animals are one of life's joys. If one's efforts are kind, geared towards welfare, and not exploitative, the relationship can be positive for both human and non-human animal.