Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

AIBU to beg you not to bet on the Grand National? It's animal abuse.

453 replies

hhorvath · 08/04/2017 16:25

Please think about what you're condoning.

www.google.co.uk/search?q=grand+national+deaths&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjhieOLlZXTAhUCOxoKHTDFDagQ_AUICSgC&biw=1366&bih=638

www.independent.co.uk/voices/grand-national-races-animal-cruelty-get-rid-of-dangerous-jump-a7672131.html

"It’s time for the Grand National again – that curious time of year when people who claim to like horses gather to exploit them, often hurting and killing them in the process.

Since 2000, 48 horses have died at the annual festival that the National is part of. Others have suffered horribly with broken backs, necks or legs, severed tendons, or heart attacks. This is the reality of British horse racing."

If you use this as entertainment, the blood of murdered horses is on your hands as well.

Would you bet on a race where human beings fell and broke their legs or necks and had to be shot? At least they would have consented. Horses cannot consent to this life.

Would you be "fine" with it as long as it hadn't happened since 2012, despite horses dying after the race from their injuries since then?

Please don't be dazzled by the so-called glamour of this bloodsport.

OP posts:
TheBookIsOnTheTable · 08/04/2017 17:37

You are dictating to people how they conduct their lives and what they should spend their money on

Don't be so sensationalist. The OP begins: "Please think about what you're condoning", not "YOU MUST DO AS I SAY".

CaveMum · 08/04/2017 17:37

Thoroughbreds have been bred over generations to mature faster than other breeds. Research has been carried out that demonstrates that exercise at a young age us actually beneficial, encouraging denser bone growth. The research shows that horses that race at a younger age (2 & 3) are less likely to suffer injuries than horses that don't race until older.

For info, all 40 horses in today's race have returned safe and sound.

PossumInAPearTree · 08/04/2017 17:37

All horses back safe.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 08/04/2017 17:37

All horses safe! Thankfully.

Verticalvenetianblinds · 08/04/2017 17:37

Well its all over for another year so the vegan keyboard warriors can shush about it all til this time next year. Until we meet and again hhorvath Grin

LuxCoDespondent · 08/04/2017 17:38

I was just think about the title of this thread. If the Grand National were indeed "animal abuse" then surely this means all those hours I was forced against my will to play hockey, netball and so on at school was "child abuse"?

In fact, obliging children to play sport when they don't want to is arguably worse. A horse can refuse to race. A child who refuses to play sport will be punished by the school.

Nojellyintrifle · 08/04/2017 17:38

Can you not see the irony of the "playground bully" comment? You are dictating to people how they conduct their lives and what they should spend their money on. That's the epitome of bullying

No, because their is no irony as the OP did not engage in the nasty name calling or goody and ganging up.

You should be ashamed of yourselves. Grown adults behaving like this.

ShamefulDodger · 08/04/2017 17:38

(Vegan, class 1)

What's with all the bullying?

What the fuck has op's (or any other persons diet for that matter) got to do with this?

Its always the same sort of posters, so pissed off at vegans belittling their food choices...that they spend pages and pages...belittling vegans food choices.

TicTacToe12 · 08/04/2017 17:39

So, lets do the race but with human people instead.

Isn't that called hurdles??

PollytheDolly · 08/04/2017 17:39

Can you not see the irony of the "playground bully" comment? You are dictating to people how they conduct their lives and what they should spend their money on. That's the epitome of bullying.

Rubbish. Her point is completely valid. Those that were rude are those who get a buzz off a gamble and might win a few quid. Well if you did, good on you.

I'd never fund that shit, never. And my opinion is backed up with experience, facts and that I used to own an ex racer. Scars up his legs like you wouldn't believe. Scars caused by a greedy bastard owner that wanted him back on track to line his pockets. Scars caused by burning, yes burning into his tendons so they'd heal quicker instead of giving him time to heal naturally.

Bastard sport.

Nojellyintrifle · 08/04/2017 17:39

n fact, obliging children to play sport when they don't want to is arguably worse. A horse can refuse to race. A child who refuses to play sport will be punished by the school

That really is the comment of someone who knows nothing about horses.

It would be more honest to say that you don't care, rather than dress it up as it being laid on for the horses pleasure Hmm

PollytheDolly · 08/04/2017 17:40

And for what it's worth, I'm not a vegan.

SpreadYourHappiness · 08/04/2017 17:40

"All 40 horses are back safe and sound! #GrandNational That's the 5th year in succession without fatalities."

littlemissM92 · 08/04/2017 17:41

I watched it. I didn't bet I never have and never would, I have had horses all my life and it brings tears to my eyes every year (i should
Stop watching) it's truly awful classed as a sport but they have no choice as to whether to run or not. They are absolute beauties and should be treated as such
Hope your ok OP i couldn't agree with you more

ShamefulDodger · 08/04/2017 17:41

Is 'vegan' the new 'autistic' tumblr insult buzzword or something?

klondikecookie · 08/04/2017 17:41

What is it specifically about animal rights issues that attracts the pathetic 'stop being preachy" crowd? You rarely see the same amount of similar posts on any other threads about ethical issues on here.

Thattimeofyearagain · 08/04/2017 17:42

Fantastic race, all back safe.
BTW my cousin is a jockey, as are my dads cousins, so I do have knowledge of the racing world and personal experience or horses, that's why it frustrates me when people with no knowledge of either post spurious claims.

PollytheDolly · 08/04/2017 17:42

"All 40 horses are back safe and sound! #GrandNational That's the 5th year in succession without fatalities.

Woooo! So what's the update on their mental health?

Thattimeofyearagain · 08/04/2017 17:42

*of

LassWiTheDelicateAir · 08/04/2017 17:43

I agree with LittleMiss I hate it. Never watch it.

BadLad · 08/04/2017 17:43

Bugger. Thirty quid gone

Verticalvenetianblinds · 08/04/2017 17:43

www.horseandhound.co.uk/horse-care/vet-advice/the-pros-and-cons-of-firing-107799

Firing predates grand national.
But now I'm being goady, sorry!

Chloe84 · 08/04/2017 17:43

TicTacToe12 - are you going to apologise to the OP after she posted evidence of her donations?

Nope.
That was a pledge to donate money 2 years ago to an unspecified charity for an unspecified amount. Does not prove any of the OPs claims to give 10% of her income to animal charities. I still maintain she is an attention seeker who has just upgraded herself to a victim.(Vegan, class 1)

Unpecified charity? The organisation is Giving What We Can.
Unspecified amount? Her receipt says £612.09 (10.2% of her income).

PollytheDolly · 08/04/2017 17:44

Firing predates grand national.
But now I'm being goady, sorry!

I know and it's now not allowed. So if it were still allowed?......
I'm sure they wouldn't go there.

klondikecookie · 08/04/2017 17:46

Chloe84 - yeah but the receipt was being very preachy