BHA Rejects Coercion for Televised Debate with Animal Rights Group

License: Pexels, Free to use, Author: Mídia

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has firmly stated that it will not be coerced into participating in a televised debate about the "morals of horseracing" by animal rights group Animal Rising, despite their promise to halt protest actions during the summer if the debate takes place.

During a press conference held by Animal Rising, the group announced their willingness to cease protest activities if British racing agrees to engage in a public debate on the ethics of horseracing. However, Julie Harrington, CEO of the BHA, emphasized that the association will not succumb to threats and will not be coerced into any activities.

Harrington referred to Animal Rising's recent protests at the 2023 Epsom Derby, which were strongly condemned by the BHA as "reckless and dangerous." She argued that the group's actions have demonstrated a lack of trustworthiness in their public declarations.

Animal Rising's protests involved potentially unlawful acts and posed a direct threat to the safety of horses and people, all in an attempt to generate publicity for their broader objectives, according to Harrington.

Harrington highlighted that representatives from the horseracing industry have already participated in over an hour of televised debates since April, expressing their commitment to continuing and promoting the sport.

The BHA CEO called upon Animal Rising to cease their reckless acts against a sport that is legally enjoyed by millions of people every year. The BHA firmly maintains its stance against being coerced into any activities through protest threats.