Why is a jockey who rides a horse to death not charged with animal cruelty?

[Shelby2010]

Just that really.

Whipping an animal until it collapses with exhaustion, witnessed by millions. But it’s ok because the people who own racehorses are rich & influential.

I remember going to watch horse racing with my Dad once and 2 horses were destroyed on the course. I was about 14 and it devastated me - never been able to watch it since. Horses are just majestic wonderful creatures and they deserve better than being used for entertainment for drunk adults on a naice day out.

The horse did die last night, jockey got 10 days ban 😩

There's going to be a full investigation and post mortem. We'll have to wait for the outcome. But the authorities know this issue won't go away.

Was he actually whipping? Usually they are just waving the stick around.

The RSPCA can’t charge anyone with a crime. They’re just a charity.

personally I wouldn’t mind seeing horse racing banned altogether

The jockey was not suspended for excessive use of the whip. The question of whether he should have stopped earlier is a hard one. Jockeys can also be suspended for not trying if they pull up too soon. I’m not saying he didn’t get it wrong, but it’s a judgment call in a high pressure situation.

Stealmysunshine12 nailed it.

😰 Celebre d'Allen tragic end for a noble beast and utter shame on the jockey who should've been looking out for your best interest on the track.

Is there any update on Broadway Boy? He had a horrible fall ( but the post race reports said he walked into the ambulance like Celebre d'Allen so who knows how much were playing down his injuries)

There is no decision to be made. A decent human bring would pull up whatever the regulations.
But then jockeys aren't decent people they are prime abusers in an abusive industry.

Yeah that post aged well didn't it.

Is it just money that keeps this vile spectacle going? You’d think in this day and age there’d be a stop put to it. Gambling and dressing up still equals such horrendous outcomes. Not one person engaging with this event isn’t aware of what can and very often does happen.

I love horses. I’ve never taken part in any form of monetary gambling but have worked at many places that have run a Grand National book, for the very reason that too many horses die. It’s the exact reason why I’ve never bet on it.

The RSPCA can and do prosecute individuals for animal abuse! In England & Wales private prosecutions are allowed and private entities/individuals have the same rights as a public prosecutor in criminal courts. The RSPCA do prosecute people on a regular basis.

Yes, they prosecute privately. You can do the same yourself, they have no more power than you.

obviously, If the RSPCA were to decide to take out a private proclamation against the jockey, you would be unaware of it for many months, maybe years.
“Charging” someone with adult cruelty isn’t a private prosecution.

Horrific. I hope the jockey is whipped and put in gaol.
I hope the RSPCA does prosecute.

Agreed completely

The RSPCA have no more rights than you or I. They have to work within the law, and the law doesn't protect animals.

It’s because it happened in sport. If it was a recreational horse rider, absolutely they’d be prosecuted. However, it’s in the same vein as footballers not being charged for fighting on the pitch, dressing room punches, breaking another player’s leg because of a dangerous/reckless foul. Or when boxers/fighters keep punching even though the referee is having to hold them back because their opponent is unconscious.

Being in the name of sport allows for huge leniency. I don’t think any of these things are ever even referred to the police.

And it has happened again today. Disgusting.

www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/racing/article-15723031/Fury-jockey-rode-horse-67-000-victory-breaking-following-fall-Grand-National-Festival-AVOIDS-punishment.html

“The horse was significantly ahead in the race as it was whipped after the fall by jockey Paul Townend”

Horrific

A neighbour was going to place some bets today on the Grand National & asked if I wanted them to put any on for me.

i said 'No thank you' politely (as in every other way they are amazing neighbours) but I have the kind of face that reads like a book...I think it probably conveyed my disgust.

This is horrific 😭 he continued to ride and whip a horse who broke his back! Wtf is wrong with humans?!?