Sean O'Leary ACC AIECL’s Post

Today I had the opportunity to discuss the controversy involving Charlotte Dujardin with EADT. The incident has certainly shocked the equestrian community and underpins the urgent need for strict adherence to animal welfare standards in our sport. You can read the full interview and my detailed thoughts on the incident here: https://lnkd.in/eSPqis6F I welcome further discussion and perspectives on the issue. #Equestrian #AnimalWelfare #CharlotteDujardin #SportsEthics

Navigating Modern Challenges in Thoroughbred Racing with Proactive Leadership 🌍🏆. Read about how industry leaders are addressing contemporary challenges, from animal welfare to public perception. This proactive approach is setting new standards and creating a sustainable future for the sport. #ResponsibleRacing #IndustryLeadership https://lnkd.in/gXMDEiDj

Unleashing Adventure: Paws, Tents, and Starry Nights! ⛺🌌🐾 #PaolaVeterinaryClinic #Paola #Veterinarian #Vet #PetChiropractic #SpayAndNeuter #LargeAnimalMedicine #PetSurgery #PetOrthopedicProcedures #PetBloodWork

📊 Attention Horse Racing Industry Professionals! Uncover pivotal changes in our sector with our insightful article. 'Public Opinion on Horse Racing: How to Transform the Sport' highlights crucial statistics like the 15% decrease in equine injuries, showcasing the power of advocacy and improved welfare standards. Join the conversation on how we're making strides in animal care. #EquineWelfare #RacingIndustry https://lnkd.in/g77RcJSS

Did you know that on Australian tracks, approximately five greyhounds die every week and over 10,000 are injured each year while racing? Eleven thousand greyhounds are bred for racing each year; approximately 25% become “wastage”. Only six countries worldwide allow greyhound racing, and 64 of these existing tracks are in Australia (more than the rest of the world combined). Racing greyhounds are not protected by the same laws afforded to companion dogs and need our protection from the inherently cruel and poorly regulated industry they have been bred into. Voiceless, the animal protection institute, is proud to support a coalition of greyhound protection organisations in developing strategies to ban greyhound racing. These campaigns are committed to ending the suffering of racing greyhounds, influencing public opinion, and targeting state governments to commit to a ban on this cruel industry.

In our latest article, we explore the four pivotal mistakes that stakeholders in the horse racing industry must avoid to ensure a sustainable and ethical future. This piece provides valuable insights into enhancing animal welfare, ensuring transparency, effective communication, and the importance of modernization. A must-read for professionals committed to advancing the industry. Share your thoughts on these critical topics. https://lnkd.in/g53V5uvQ

"A landmark inquiry into the embattled greyhound racing industry is set to begin [in New South Wales, Australia] as allegations of integrity and animal welfare issues continue..." ❗ "The racing industry body's chief executive, Robert Macaulay, resigned in August after a report by its former chief veterinary officer Alex Brittan became public" ❗ "The document included claims greyhound deaths were being hidden, adoption rates exaggerated and dogs pushed to race at levels causing injuries" Expose after expose, inquiry after inquiry have revealed long-standing & ongoing animal cruelty in greyhound racing. Most of the world has stopped this outdated & exploitative industry. Particularly when Australia is grappling with an epidemic of problem gambling, we can no longer afford to let more people and animals suffer needlessly. #BanGreyhoundRacing https://lnkd.in/gddR-44S #animals #animalwelfare #animalcruelty #greyhounds #dogs #OneHealth #OneWelfare

Regarding the recent controversy involving Charlotte Dujardin, the focus should not be on her status as one of the most successful athletes in UK history, but rather on her dressage practices leading to her success. This is not the first-time athletes have been caught abusing their horses. In 2021, Annika Schleu, a German modern pentathlon athlete, ”attacked her horse with a whip and spurs, while her trainer, Kim Raisner, punched the animal”. Former Olympic champion Ludger Beerbaum was accused of mistreating horses based on video footage from his stable, including allegations of hitting horses and using nails in jump poles. Although a study group from the French National Assembly made 46 recommendations for improving equine welfare at the Paris 2024 Olympics following several incidents in Tokyo, in my opinion, their 72-page report appears to have insufficiently addressed dressage practices. Returning to the recent scandal, Dujardin's refusal to comment beyond calling it an "error of judgment" is unsurprising. While she claims ignorance of how the video was leaked, it's likely she knows who is responsible, given the involvement of a lawyer in its release. However, the method of the leak is less important than the fact that she has been caught and faces the consequences of her acts. I consider that judges in Olympic equestrian sports have overlooked the critical issue of equine welfare, specifically the underlying training methods more than safety during performance. I love sports and I love animals. That is why I agree with the whistleblower's lawyer that if such cruelty is necessary to achieve success in equestrian sports, they cannot keep being considered a sport and should be abolished. And if it’s true that Dujardin has been caught repeatedly whipping a horse (The New York Times), being banned from the Olympics should be followed by being permanently banned from equine sports and from any contact with animals for life. https://lnkd.in/dPudC4bu... #animaladvocacy #equinewelfare #equinewellness #animalwelfare

Today's decision of the Tas Racing Appeals Board to overturn the lifetime ban on greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock is devastating. Innocent dogs continue to suffer and die because the rules of racing and state animal welfare laws are simply not strong enough to ensure those who do the wrong thing can be successfully held to account. Details of the decision can be found here: https://lnkd.in/g6PegHdc The RSPCA has been actively campaigning for years about the need for more stringent oversight of racing in Tasmania, and specifically of improving the welfare standards in greyhound racing. The videos released last year of appalling conditions in which greyhounds are being kept at several kennels, including those of Tasmania’s largest greyhound trainer, Anthony Bullock, reinforces the on-going concerns that we and many others have expressed. Tasmania lags far behind other states in recognising that public attitudes to racing have changed and strengthening standards required for participants. Time after time, we’ve heard statements from government that they support the racing industry and recognise the importance of animal welfare. However, while everyone says animal welfare is a priority, the cupboard is bare in terms of commitment - and funding - to deliver better outcomes. The Tasmanian government pours more than $32m of public money into racing every year – with little accountability and no transparency. This is simply not good enough anymore. The community expects concerns expressed about animal welfare to be matched by increased public scrutiny and investment. This is also a wake-up call for all those involved in the racing industry. Those participants who do the right thing need to call out bad behaviour and make it clear this will not be accepted.  And it is long past time for this industry to be made to stand on its own feet – by ending taxpayer funding for this so-called ‘sport’. We will also continue to keep this issue in the public eye – and to hold the government to account to protect the innocent creatures who are harmed every day in this cruel industry.