On October 8, a group of New York State lawmakers gathered for an annual event called Legislative Pace at Yonkers Raceway. If the subsidies that enable the continued abuse and death of horses aren’t enough to turn your stomach, seeing state lawmakers dressed in racing helmets and goggles sitting on sulkies to watch live racing is beyond sickening.
But this time something was different. No press releases. No promotion on social media. Why? Well, because of public pressure of course. Activism.
Politico reported on the event (although published more than a month and a half later) in a piece titled, “Lawmakers’ Secret Horseback Ride.” Here we get closer to the truth: “One of the staffers who organized the event, who declined to identify himself, told [Politico]’We didn’t do a press release this year. We didn’t want any press because we didn’t want people protesting outside like last year.’”
Last year there were no “outside pickets”, but we (Horseracing Wrongs) did take direct action for the horses with phone calls and emails. Our HW Action Group on Facebook contacted all 17 NYS legislators who attended the 2024 event. As in previous years, we were tipped off by press releases and by the legislators themselves who promoted the event. Many of our advocates had lengthy educational conversations with assistants and staff.
So this year they’re hiding? I call it an advocacy victory, but we can’t stop now.
The Politico article describes the event: “Just before sunset, lawmakers rode alongside professional race car drivers with whips in their hands, their galloping horses projected onto the stadium’s jumbotrons as they raced around the track to the sound of enthusiastic announcers calling the race. As at the real races, almost no one was watching.”
Did they even look at the empty stands? Maybe they’re just there for the commemorative jackets. They are certainly not there for their constituents. But do you know who they are? Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal.
Assemblywoman Rosenthal told Politico she will introduce her bill to repurpose horse racing subsidies this session. And Senator Krueger said (from the piece): “I am convinced, not just from this country, but even around the world, that without major subsidization there would be no horse racing,” said Senator Liz Krueger, an outspoken opponent of the state’s agreement to direct about $230 million in slot machine revenue to the horse racing industry, and specifically footraces. “It is not a form of gambling that attracts customers to come and watch the races.” Kruger said.’
So, my horse- and animal-loving friends, it’s time to take action and (re)educate the handful of lawmakers mentioned in the Politico piece. And let’s not forget to thank Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (contact info below).
I believe phone calls are the most effective, with follow-up emails (contact forms). Whatever time you have today, I promise it will make a difference for the horses. Action produces results. This is how progress is made for animals. If we don’t speak out, who will?
Sample script:
Hello, my name is ____. I’m calling about the “Legislative Pace” event at Yonkers Raceway on October 8th.
I was deeply disturbed to learn – via Politico’s article “Legislators’ Secret Horseback Ride” – that the Assembly member was participating in horse races while the public was deliberately kept in the dark. According to the article, an event staff member admitted that they had kept the event under wraps to avoid pressure from the press and public. That alone raises serious concerns about transparency and judgment.
Horses used for the race are locked in stables 23 hours a day, flogged in order to run, suffer painful injuries and are killed by police. thousands for gambling and entertainment. This cruel industry is no longer popular with the public and therefore relies on our tax dollars – to the tune of $230 million a year – to keep it afloat.
I am calling to ask the MP to stop participating in this event, to take a closer look at the atrocities and murders, and to work to end the massive subsidies that make it all possible.
Let’s start with Dias. From the Politico article: “Bronx Assembly Member Landon Dais, who attended the event, said he was unfamiliar with the state’s gaming revenue sharing agreement with the horse racing industry, but he still enjoyed the event. ‘I have a lot of respect for animals and how beautiful and majestic they are,’ Dais said. ‘I think it’s just a live experience of what the racers are doing and what it feels like.'”
If MP Dias has “great respect for animals”, then he needs training on cruelty in horse racing (and the subsidies).
Bronx Assembly Member Landon Dais
contact form: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Landon-C-Dais/contact/
office number: 718-538-2000
Assemblymember Jordan Wright
email: ad70@nyassembly.gov
contact form: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Jordan-JG-Wright/contact/
office number: 212-866-5809
Assemblymember Al Taylor
email: taylora@nyassembly.gov
contact form: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Al-Taylor/contact/
office number: 212-234-1430
Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs
email: gibbse@nyassembly.gov
contact form: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Edward-Gibbs/contact/
office number: 212-828-3953
Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson
email: andersonk@nyassembly.gov
contact form: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Khaleel-M-Anderson/contact/
Assemblymember Latrice Walker
email: WalkerL@nyassembly.gov
contact form: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Latrice-M-Walker/contact/
office number: 718-342-1256
Send messages and quick thanks to:
Senator Liz Krueger
email: lkrueger@nysenate.gov
contact form: https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/liz-krueger/contact
office number: (212) 490-9535
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal
contact form: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Linda-B-Rosenthal/contact/
office number: 212-873-6368
Related
#politicians #animal #cruelty #fun #funny #horse #racing #wrong