On September 28th, Horseracing Wrongs took a momentous stride in the pursuit of justice for Princess Laa, the 2-year-old horse beaten by her trainer at Hoosier Park in Indiana.
Horseracing Wrongs was at the forefront of unveiling a deeply disturbing video that documented the abuse Princess suffered while tied-up and confined in a stall. The contents of this footage are profoundly distressing, serving as a stark reminder of the pressing imperative to bring an end to the horseracing industry.
Horseracing trainer/driver, Dale Hiteman, mercilessly beat a tied-up 2-year-old horse because she was “acting up.” A 2-year-old horse who suffers from a pre-existing neck injury that causes her to “hold her head crooked.” A 2-year-old horse who has said repeatedly, in the only way she can, she doesn’t want to be enslaved as a racehorse.
Late last week, in response to the widespread outrage and the undeniable evidence presented in the video, we have achieved a crucial victory. The United States Trotting Association (USTA) has taken action by revoking the license of Dale Hiteman.
While this license revocation marks a significant step forward, our fight for justice is far from over. We firmly believe that those who commit acts of animal cruelty must be held criminally accountable under the law. Indiana statutes categorically label such actions as cruelty to animals, constituting a Class A misdemeanor.
Princess Laa deserves justice.
What we are continuing to do for Princess Laa:
In addition to obtaining this video footage and the audio recording of the Indiana Racing Commission’s hearing, Horseracing Wrongs’ president, Patrick Battuello, has written a formal letter to the District Attorney’s office asking for a full investigation and charges under the animal cruelty laws in Indiana.
Our team posted an Action Alert on social media and many of our supporters have joined us in urging the Madison County District Attorney's office to investigate and file criminal charges against Dale Hiteman for the abuse inflicted upon Princess.
Our Horseracing Wrongs Indiana organizer, Sandy Jey, gathered advocates outside Hoosier Park Saturday, October 7th as part of our #JusticeForPrincessLaa campaign, shining a spotlight on the cruelty that has taken place within their facilities and demanding accountability.
What you can do:
Please take a moment to contact the Madison County District Attorney and Prosecutor's office, urging them to take action on behalf of Princess:
Madison County District Attorney: 765-641-9585
Prosecutor Rodney Cummings: rcummings@madisoncounty.in.gov
Chief Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Hanna: ahanna@madisoncounty.in.gov
Donate to help our team continue to pursue justice for Princess Laa and thousands more horses that suffer and die every day for gambling and entertainment.