Social License to Operate (SLO) - Santa Anita Horse Racing Presents a Case Study | Dr. Camie Heleski

Summary

The video discusses the horse racing industry's efforts to maintain a 'social license to operate,' focusing on transparency, animal welfare, and public perception. The speaker emphasizes the challenges and importance of ethical practices, such as medication use and aftercare for retired racehorses. While the industry has made progress in re-homing retired thoroughbreds, more work is needed to address the fate of those that aren't suitable for breeding. Despite the risks, the passion for racing remains strong, and the industry must continue to evolve to ensure its long-term sustainability and positive public image.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social License to Operate (SLO) refers to the public's permission for industries to operate based on trust and transparency.
• 😀 The horse racing industry is under significant scrutiny, especially regarding horse welfare, injuries, and fatalities.
• 😀 The tragic incidents at Santa Anita Park in 2019 highlighted the need for increased transparency in the racing industry.
• 😀 The use of medications like Lasix for horses is controversial, as it raises ethical concerns regarding horse treatment and performance.
• 😀 There is public debate about the use of whips in horse racing, with growing calls for reducing or eliminating their use.
• 😀 Aftercare for retired racehorses is an ongoing challenge, but progress is being made in rehoming and retraining horses.
• 😀 The Equine Injury Database has helped improve safety measures by providing valuable data on track surfaces and injury rates.
• 😀 The introduction of synthetic track surfaces has shown a reduction in racehorse fatalities compared to traditional dirt tracks.
• 😀 Industry accreditation programs like the NTRA Safety and Integrity Accreditation aim to ensure best practices and improve public trust.
• 😀 Public perception of industries like greyhound racing and bullfighting has changed significantly due to concerns over animal welfare, influencing their practices.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'social license to operate' as discussed in the video?

The 'social license to operate' refers to the public's perception of an industry’s practices and its ethical conduct. It implies that industries must maintain community support by operating in a way that aligns with societal values and ethical expectations.

How did public perception of horse racing change after the Santa Anita case?

The Santa Anita case, where several horses died during races, sparked public outcry and increased scrutiny of the racing industry's treatment of horses. Social media played a significant role in amplifying the issue, leading to petitions and protests demanding better welfare practices.

What are some of the major welfare concerns raised by the public in the racing industry?

Key concerns include catastrophic breakdowns (where horses break bones during races), the use of whips (which is seen by some as cruel), medication use (such as Lasix to prevent bleeding), and the aftercare of retired racehorses.

Why is the use of whips in horse racing controversial?

The use of whips is controversial because many believe it causes harm to the horses, while others argue it is a necessary tool for ensuring safety and encouraging performance. The debate centers on whether it is fair or ethical to use them in races.

What is Lasix, and why is its use in horse racing controversial?

Lasix is a medication used to prevent bleeding in horses during races. Its use is controversial because it is seen by some as a form of doping, raising concerns about the fairness and ethics of racing when horses are treated with such substances.

How has the horse racing industry worked to improve aftercare for retired racehorses?

The industry has made significant strides in helping retired racehorses by partnering with aftercare organizations. These efforts have rehomed at least 30,000 retired thoroughbreds, though the industry recognizes that there is still much work to be done, especially in finding homes for horses unsuitable for breeding.

What are the challenges related to rehoming retired thoroughbred horses?

The primary challenges are finding suitable homes for horses that are no longer able to race or breed. Some retired horses, especially geldings and mares unsuitable for breeding, face the risk of being sent to slaughterhouses, which affects public perception of the industry.

How does the thoroughbred industry try to maintain its social license to operate?

The industry works on improving transparency, reducing catastrophic injuries, refining practices like medication use, and enhancing aftercare for retired horses. These efforts are intended to ensure public trust and address the growing ethical concerns around the sport.

What role does data on track surfaces play in improving horse welfare?

Data on track surfaces has shown that synthetic tracks, compared to dirt tracks, reduce the frequency of catastrophic breakdowns. This scientific approach helps the industry make more informed decisions to improve horse safety and welfare.

What challenges does the industry face in maintaining a balance between tradition and modern ethical standards?

The industry faces the challenge of upholding long-standing traditions in horse racing while adapting to modern ethical standards that prioritize animal welfare. This includes reevaluating practices like racing two-year-olds and making adjustments to align with public expectations of ethical conduct.