Dear Governor Pritzker:

Approximately forty horses die on racetracks around the country every single week.  As of today, June 12, 2019, thirty-five horses have died at California’s Santa Anita Park since December 30, 2018.  However, Santa Anita is not the only track where horses are perishing.  Some of those tragedies happen right here in Illinois at Arlington Park and Hawthorne Race Course.  Horse racing is finally being exposed for its extreme violence and the immense suffering it causes, including horses being shipped overseas on long journeys, often without food or water, only to be butchered.

A Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Illinois Racing Board received by Horseracing Wrongs, a non-profit organization that investigates the carnage of horse racing, details just a few of the thirty-two horses who died at Illinois’ horse tracks in 2018.

Semper Frey, October 21, Hawthorne
“horse went down and was dead before [vet] got to the horse”

G P’s Girl, September 20, Arlington
“collapsed on track…horse was in agonal breathing and the mucus membranes were white…stopped breathing within seconds of arrival” (five years old)

Giant Breeze, August 5, Arlington
“after racing the horse became recumbent…they got the horse up…it went down and never got up again…severe heat stroke…euthanized”

Black Angel, July 4, Arlington
“possible electrocution – mare dropped dead in stall after touching metal door frame; screw eye was red hot”

Ready Poncho, March 24, Hawthorne                                                          “collapsed dead on track…exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage”

Casinos could help bring much needed revenue into the Land of Lincoln, but it shouldn't be at the expense of animal welfare.  We vehemently urge you to veto Senate Bill 690 or at least have a provision to not allow casinos at horse tracks and deny any licenses to operate new horse racetracks, which would only prolong misery.  An ideal compromise would be to replace the declining and inhumane horse racing industry with casinos, so employees can transition to new jobs.

As someone who is working to make Illinois a better state, I hope that you are dedicated to protecting animals as well and will support many humane issues, as the way society treats animals is directly linked to how they treat their fellow human beings.  Last November’s election proved once again just how much the public cares about animals.  Voters in Florida overwhelmingly voted to ban greyhound racing and the inhumane conditions and weekly deaths that accompany it and voters in California voted to better protect animals used for food.  The majority of society no longer approves of animals exploited in the name of entertainment and many voters care about animal protection issues.  Please listen to the voices of the people.  

Thank you very much for your time and consideration!