Sunday, May 04, 2008

PETA Wants KY Derby Jockey Suspended

Can PETA please go sit down somewhere? Here's a recap of the events of the Kentucky Derby in case you haven't heard. Eight Belles, the filly who won second place, crossed the finish line and then collapsed on the track with both her front ankles broken. Because her injuries were so extensive, she had to be euthanized right on the track (read full story here)

Enter PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). According to SportsIllustrated.com:

PETA faxed a letter Sunday to Kentucky's racing authority claiming the filly was "doubtlessly injured before the finish" and asked that Saez [20-year old Panamanian jockey Gabriel Saez] be suspended while Eight Belles' death is investigated.

"What we really want to know, did he feel anything along the way?" PETA spokeswoman Kathy Guillermo said. "If he didn't then we can probably blame the fact that they're allowed to whip the horses mercilessly."

*sigh*

I would really be impressed with PETA if they were showing up in the hood, but you only see them during high profile, Hollywood type situations. Pets on the block are the ones really suffering. Why don't they come and fit all the 3 legged project dogs with prosthetics and donate big money to research to find a cure for mangy cats with hairballs? What about all the chickens running around at the car lot on Sherwood...is that ethical? Huh PETA?!

Tracking Hurricane Gustav