End the Grand National in its current deadly form

Recent signers:
annie VALLET and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The Grand National, a horse racing event held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, is renowned for its thrilling spectacle and high stakes. However, behind the grandeur and excitement lies a grim reality: the inherent danger to the horses participating in the race. Over the years, the Grand National has been marred by numerous tragic incidents, resulting in the preventable deaths and injuries of many horses.

The course's challenging features, including treacherous fences like Becher's Brook and The Chair, pose significant risks. Since 2000, at least 12 horses have died during the race, underscoring the urgent need for reform. Such fatalities are not a mere consequence of competition but stem from a course designed with perilous elements that push horses to their limits, frequently with fatal consequences.

Public concern over animal welfare has surged, with countless individuals and organizations calling for a stop to the inhumane treatment of these magnificent creatures. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and World Horse Welfare have repeatedly highlighted the suffering endured by racehorses, particularly during high-profile events like the Grand National.

To mitigate the risks, it's high time we called for a comprehensive review of the race's structure and safety protocols. Potential solutions include reducing the number of runners, altering the height and design of challenging fences, and implementing stricter assessments for the participating horses' fitness. These changes would not diminish the thrill of the race but would enhance the safety and welfare of the horses dramatically.

Reforming the Grand National is not about diminishing its prestige or excitement; it's about evolving it into a safer event that respects and protects its equine athletes. It's about ensuring that future races are celebrated for triumphs, not tragedies. Join us in campaigning for immediate reforms to the Grand National, so it may continue as a cherished British tradition in a humane and ethical manner. Please sign this petition to urge the UK Parliament to take action now.

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Recent signers:
annie VALLET and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The Grand National, a horse racing event held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, is renowned for its thrilling spectacle and high stakes. However, behind the grandeur and excitement lies a grim reality: the inherent danger to the horses participating in the race. Over the years, the Grand National has been marred by numerous tragic incidents, resulting in the preventable deaths and injuries of many horses.

The course's challenging features, including treacherous fences like Becher's Brook and The Chair, pose significant risks. Since 2000, at least 12 horses have died during the race, underscoring the urgent need for reform. Such fatalities are not a mere consequence of competition but stem from a course designed with perilous elements that push horses to their limits, frequently with fatal consequences.

Public concern over animal welfare has surged, with countless individuals and organizations calling for a stop to the inhumane treatment of these magnificent creatures. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and World Horse Welfare have repeatedly highlighted the suffering endured by racehorses, particularly during high-profile events like the Grand National.

To mitigate the risks, it's high time we called for a comprehensive review of the race's structure and safety protocols. Potential solutions include reducing the number of runners, altering the height and design of challenging fences, and implementing stricter assessments for the participating horses' fitness. These changes would not diminish the thrill of the race but would enhance the safety and welfare of the horses dramatically.

Reforming the Grand National is not about diminishing its prestige or excitement; it's about evolving it into a safer event that respects and protects its equine athletes. It's about ensuring that future races are celebrated for triumphs, not tragedies. Join us in campaigning for immediate reforms to the Grand National, so it may continue as a cherished British tradition in a humane and ethical manner. Please sign this petition to urge the UK Parliament to take action now.

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