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WASHINGTON (March 19, 2025)\u2014A new report released by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, a federally mandated regulatory group that monitors thoroughbred racehorse safety, confirms that thoroughbreds are not only dying on race day but face significant risks in training as well. This data-based, revelatory report<\/a> confirms the deep failures of those in the horse racing industry who have resisted reform for too long.<\/p>\n This is the first time in United States thoroughbred racing history that nationwide data on training fatalities has been publicly released. The report\u2019s findings also indicate that racing-related deaths are nearly twice as high at facilities that haven\u2019t yet adopted safety protocols prescribed by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, which partially went into effect in 2020. Additionally, state-level tracks operating outside HISA oversight note horse deaths at rates 80% higher than at HISA-regulated facilities. A listing of HISA-regulated by-state and by-racetrack horse fatalities data is available on pages 10 and 11 of the HISA report<\/a>.<\/p>\n Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund\u2014formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund\u2014are calling for the adoption of requirements in the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act protocols at every track and stronger protections in racing and training.<\/p>\n \u201cToo many horses are dying because some racetracks refuse to adopt even the most basic safety and anti-doping standards. The minimum protections within the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act are the least we should give to these magnificent but highly vulnerable animals,\u201d said Sara Amundson, president of Humane World Action Fund. \u201cA two-tier system where some tracks follow lifesaving protocols while others do not is unacceptable\u2014every racing operation must meet uniform safety standards to prevent these needless deaths of majestic horses.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThese critical findings bring much-needed transparency about the dangers of horse racing,\u201d said Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals. \u201cThe data reveals a harsh reality\u2014young horses are dying before they even reach the starting gate. This new revelation throws the tracks that are robbing horses of their lives at such a ghastly rate into the hall of shame.\u201d<\/p>\n The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act and accountability requirements set by the HISA provide a framework to reduce horse fatalities. This new report demonstrates that the framework is beginning to be effective in enhancing racehorse safety. All racing participants should integrate these minimum safety and anti-doping standards into their operations to ensure the protection of the horses at the core of the racing industry.<\/p>\n Learn more about the need for horse racing reforms on the Humane World for Animals website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Media Contact:\u00a0<\/strong>
Liz Bartolomeo: 240-472-0475; ebartolomeo@humaneworld.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n