Stick with me here for a minute. First, the Del Mar horse racing season is in full swing. Horse racing involves horses that are immature, with bodies and bones that are not yet fully developed. Yet people race these horses for the thrill of the sport. So far this horse-racing season, ten horses have been killed because of injuries. Here are the horse deaths from previous seasons, and this is just at the Del Mar Race Track: The installation of a new Polytrack surface in 2007 has been credited with the decrease in horse deaths, but I personally think that one horse death is one too many. And we're only discussing the Del Mar race track here. I have to wonder how many horses are killed (euthanized is too nice of a word) in preparation for the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes. Then let's go to boxing. I believe that the children of Mother and Father Nature are valuable to us and to be cherished. If that's the case, though, would not people be even more valuable and to be cherished. So why do we allow them to beat up on each other for "the thrill of the sport." I don't understand.
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With the recent release of Michael Vick from prison for financing a dog-fighting ring -- and I'm all for giving people a second chance -- one thing I don't understand is why society doesn't like dog fighting or cock fighting, but we allow boxing and horse racing.
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Jim, I had no idea so many horses die in racing. Of course we all remember the horse at the Preakness or Belmont a couple of years ago. I never thought about the fact that their bodies are not fully developed.
Sharon
Aug 28, 2009 02:28 PM
Keller Williams Realty Consultants - New Albany, IN
Jim I woul;d agree on the animal sports. I think cock fighting and dog fighting and even horse racing are not fair to animals that we simply have the power to control. Notice we have no Lion racing contests. However where boxing is concerned I think we humans , at the appropriate age, have the ability to decide to box or not to box.
I personally have done some boxing in the past. These days I'm way past the prime boxing age. But I wouldn't even if I could anymore. The thing about it that I noticed almost right away is that it actually hurts when you are on the receiving end of a punch. And to be on the giving end you nearly always have to spend some time on the receiving end.
From a personal point of view I didn't really find the receiving end all that much fun.
Aug 28, 2009 02:29 PM
St. Pete Realty - Treasure Island, FL
I'm with you. It's apparently one of those not very nice human things... and I didn't know there were that many horse deaths, either! Even the ones that have been more widely covered are too much for me.
Aug 28, 2009 02:37 PM
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist
Hey, Sharon - I didn't realize that so many horses die in horse racing either. But my membership at ActiveRain has caused me to sit up and take notice of so many more things that I ordinarily wouldn't pay attention to. It helps me to have a broad range of knowledge to help break the ice when I meet a new Client.
Hey, Bob - I understand having the ability to decide to box or not to box. But why would that ability not apply to the ability to decide whether or not to wear a seat belt while driving, or to wear a helmet while riding a bike or motorcycle, or so many other things. Why do we tolerate some things but not others? Is it because boxing has been going on for many generations, even back to the Romans, but cars and bikes are new inventions so we have to regulate how we use them?
Hey, Shoshana - I'm still willing to put an end to roaches, bees, and ants, though. Am I being contradictory?
Hey, Marchel - Somehow I don't think I'm the one who is going to solve this mystery -- LOL.
Aug 28, 2009 02:38 PM
RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge MA Realtor
Hi Jim ~ I too had no idea about the numbers of horses that die. That's unconscionable. I'm with you on roaches, of mixed mind about ants, and we need bees - as long as they're not in my house. I guess when I think about it if I get ants I'm likely to smush them when I find them but feel bad as I do so.
And I agree - blogging has made me pay way more attention to what's around me - a very nice side effect.
Liz
Aug 28, 2009 02:47 PM
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist
Is it because only the rich can afford to own racing horses?
I get infuriated when I hear about these horse owners who say that they'll miss this horse that they've raised and loved. Well, they shouldn't be racing them! They should be raising and loving them.
Aug 28, 2009 02:56 PM
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services
Wow -- this is incredible... I had no idea ... I am on the same page as you on this issue.
Aug 28, 2009 03:31 PM
Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton - Clayton, OH
Hey Jim, I think I want to drop my 2 cents in here. We can't control what people do to themselves, many don't wear seat belts even though it is the law. From someone who played football from the time I could walk (literally) till I blew both my knees out in my soph year of collage and was more sad that I couldn't play ball anymore than I had ruined my knees, human nature is strange and illogical. The government can't dictate what everyone does to themselves (just won't work). Dog fights or just any kind of animal cruelty is (in my eyes) a travisty and should be forbidden in any society that has progressed beyond cave dwelling. Horses on the other hand live to run. Take a trip to the Kentucky Horse Farm and watch. BTW they also live better than I do. At least we don't put them behind the wheel and make them drive to work. Now that is dangerous.
Aug 28, 2009 04:13 PM
Las Vegas, NV
Jim - I have never understood it either, it is so barbaric. Another way of gambling and sickness!
Aug 28, 2009 04:15 PM
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!
Jim, had no idea horses were killed in racing! It is sickening! Also agree with Jack Gilleland, it is also terrifying we have to get behind a wheel and drive! Will never attend another horse race again!
Aug 28, 2009 04:30 PM
Callahan's Home Inspections - Casper, WY
Jim in many countries dog and cock fighting is acceptable and neighborhoods gather regularly to have them. Also in many countries a racing animal, be it a horse, dog, camel or what ever is usually killed if it doesn't come in 1, 2, or 3 and made its owner some sort of money. We live in a sick world!!!
Aug 29, 2009 01:31 AM
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
Jim I'm with you 100% - there is no excuse or rational reason for these so-called sports. It is easy since they are more vulnerable Karen
Aug 29, 2009 01:53 AM
RE/MAX Advantage South - Hoover, AL
CDPE SRES ASP e-PRO Realtor - Homes for Sale - AL
Jim, as you know I'm an animal lover too and find it terrible what goes on it these sports. So sad!
Aug 29, 2009 05:01 AM
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
Jim, I'm sorry to say I'm like most of the others, I had no idea ANY of the horses would die or be put to sleep. Sure changes my perspective on horse racing. The other animal "sports" you mention are cruel and they all should be stopped.
Aug 29, 2009 03:09 PM
Las Vegas, NV
Jim - After reading your post several more times I have decided to feature you post at one of my favorite groups ........
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Aug 29, 2009 03:26 PM
Owner/Broker RE/MAX Elite Realty - Franklin, NC
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I guess I am guilty of being ignorant to this too! I had not a clue that horses were being killed like that. When I was 17 I used to work at a dog track in Bonita Springs FL. and I thought the dogs were being treated really good but I didn't know later on that they too get killed if you can not find them a home. Make me sad :O(
Aug 30, 2009 01:32 AM
Realty Choice - Springfield, MO
Look at any sport and you can find examples of bad things that happen. What about dog racing? After a couple years the dogs are washed up and often killed. What about "Ultimate" fighting? People simply crush each other until one gives up. What about football where the average career is 3 years and many retired players can barely walk or have lifelong pain. Let's face it, all sports take a toll. Shouldn't we have more sympathy for the animals though because they didn't volunteer for the abuse?
Sep 01, 2009 03:02 AM
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