Argumentative Essay: The Ethics Of Horse Racing

Every year on the first Saturday of May, thousands of spectators flock to Churchill Downs to witness America’s top thoroughbreds compete in the Kentucky Derby. It is a huge event filled with celebrities, fancy hats, and fast horses. However, behind all the glamour and glitz, horse racing is full of ethical problems. Over the years the issue of animal abuse has been brought up in the discussion of horse racing. Racehorses are frequently injured, and these injuries often lead to death. Many people are against these horses being forced to participate in activities that threaten their well-being. Along with concerns for the horses’ health, gambling is another popular issue people have with horse racing. It is a common practice for those attending

In Indiana alone, around 9,221 jobs were produced by both the racing and breeding business along with $207 million in economic impact for the state (purdue). Outlawing horse racing in just one state could have a negative effect on the economy and rob almost 10,000 people of jobs. It is estimated that the horse industry provides $39 billion to the United States economy and approximately 1.4 million full-time jobs (purdue). Not only do Americans enjoy watching the sport of horse racing, but some of their livelihoods depend on it. Owners of racehorses would not be the only ones affected; breeders, veterinarians, and stable workers would all endure the consequences if the industry was shut

The speed of the horses is admired by the well-dressed, wealthy crowd who cheer on the horses they placed their bets on. But once the horses cross the finish line, trouble ensues. A horse named Eight Belles breaks down and collapses after crossing the finish line (CBS). Trainers rushed to her side, attempting to move her off the track, but her injuries were too severe. After many attempts to get her back on her feet, it was decided that euthanasia was the best course of treatment. A veterinarian plunged a syringe full of liquid into Eight Belles, and her squirming body went calm. Spectators were in shock; the curtain that disguised the ugly truth about horse racing was lifted, and people did not like what they saw. Horse racing generates income for many people throughout America, but is this money supporting the unnecessary deaths of horses? Eight Belles death is just one of many incidents that have provoked questions about the horse racing world. Gambling, drugs, and unethical behavior cloud the sport that many Americans know and love. Horse racing may be considered one of America’s past times, but it might be time to make it a thing of the