PETA: Animal rights group criticizes coach for parading racehorse in pub

Muricas News  — 

A number one animal rights group has criticized an Irish racehorse coach for parading his successful steed in a pub earlier this week.

On Monday, John “Shark” Hanlon posted a video on Twitter of him main US Grand Nationwide winner Hewick right into a pub as a part of the horse’s homecoming celebrations.

Hewick had gained the profitable race – with a prize purse of $500,000 – in New Jersey on October 15 earlier than returning to Eire.

The video reveals Hanlon strolling into the busy pub with the seven-year-old horse earlier than clients fell quiet and began taking photos.

Nevertheless, animal rights group Individuals for the Moral Therapy of Animals (PETA) instructed Muricas News that the “publicity stunt wasn’t accomplished for Hewick’s profit.”

“Horses aren't ‘present and inform’ playthings – they're delicate animals who're simply spooked,” Elisa Allen, PETA Vice President of UK Programmes and Operations, mentioned in a press release.

“Anybody with a scintilla of respect for horses is aware of that a rowdy, cramped pub with out an apparent exit is a nerve-racking and harmful surroundings for them.

“This … was accomplished for an inexpensive giggle, maybe to distract punters from the truth that trainers are nonetheless whipping horses, risking catastrophic accidents, and working them to dying only for an opportunity on the prize cash.”

In a press release to Muricas News, Hanlon responded to PETA’s criticism by saying every little thing was double-checked earlier than the horse entered the pub.

“Hewick is a really secure horse, you could possibly practically name him a pet, he doesn’t buck or kick,” Hanlon mentioned in a press release.

“When bringing him into the pub we double checked every little thing was secure. We introduced him in, turned him round and walked out with him.”

Hanlon, who within the video regarded to maintain the horse calm, additionally requested for a pint of Guinness. One other video reveals the drink being put to the horse’s lips.

On Tuesday, John Hanlon Racing tweeted an image of Hewick in his secure with a caption studying: “He’s not very drunk, you understand, from the small bit of froth that he didn’t even drink trigger he had his lips closed.”

Hewick was among the many favorites to win the US Grand Nationwide final month and produced a powerful efficiency to run away from the pack.

The horse is now demanding respect throughout Europe and is being lined up for some large races subsequent yr, together with the UK Grand Nationwide and Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The viral video has attracted greater than 500,000 views on Twitter, drawing each criticism and help.

“Seems to be terrified,” mentioned one social media person, whereas one other tweeted: “Why would it not be terrified, it’s used to being round massive loud cheering crowds that … wouldn’t hassle that horse.”