to have had a bet on the Grand National when I'm not sure I approve of the risk to the horses?

[grovel]

The Druid's Nephew at 14 to 1. The race will be on the TV here whether I like it or not.

How patronising. Would you rather I didn't give a damn? I'm just a person, and it upsets me when humans use animals for monetary or other ('artistic'? sport?) purposes when it clearly makes the animals distressed.

If it doesn't distress them then fill your boots. But why would anyone want to put a creature through pain or upset like that? Why? I don't understand.

It seems on a par with beauty contests for children except slightly worse.

I think the sarcasm results from the dismay at the ignorance combined with the prescriptive nature of the posts.

I see it more as a problem of people having so little to do with looking after animals and living mainly urban and suburban lives and losing touch, than real issues of animal cruelty. Which do exist, but not in the publicity-friendly, easily accessible realms you think.

Its just so pointless, spouting off once per year on something because its in the news, then feeling good about yourself because of it. It does absolutely nothing for animal welfare, and is quite possibly harmful, because it diverts attention and resources away from genuine cases where animals are actually suffering. As I've said above, if all these bleeding hearts who filled up the internet would direct their attentions to cruel slaughter practices, or pet animals kept in bad conditions instead, they might actually achieve something other than making themselves feel good.

As I've said above, if all these bleeding hearts who filled up the internet would direct their attentions to cruel slaughter practices

Yet more assumptions. You are good at making those aren't you.
And what makes you think they don't?

if all these bleeding hearts who filled up the internet
Predictable

I see it more as a problem of people having so little to do with looking after animals and living mainly urban and suburban lives

Ah yes.... the standard, default assumption

Making themselves feel good? Why would I feel good about any of this? I saw some horses getting hurt yesterday and it really upset me. Yes I feel better shouting about that as it also makes me angry, but I don't get some sort of self approval/satisfaction out of it. I don't want to condemn anyone who loves horses but seeing them go through that makes me think the people making them do it cannot love them

Is that so hard to understand? Aren't we all on the same side here?

Actually even shouting doesn't make me feel better. It just means I feel sad, angry, and worried I've been too rude on here and everyone will hate me as well.

Psipina Dont sweat it love. It's healthy debate

Gahhhhh

Psipina, don't upset yourself. Debate is healthy and as long as you respect other people's opinions, and they do yours, it's all good.

One final point I'll make before retiring to my sick bed (thanks DD ) is that the people connected to these horses do love them. You can't work in a racing yard (or any horse-related job for that matter) if you don't love them. The hours are long (most working days start at 6am though one trainer has been known to have his lads in the yard at 4am during heat waves so that the horses can be exercised in cooler conditions) and the pay is comparatively poor when you consider how physically demanding the job is.

Cave is right re: the luuurve..... you get three to look after for the duration of their racing careers and they really do become like your children.

Have another Psipina I'm on my second.