Photos used on this campaign are licensed under Creative Commons
The Issue
The RSPCA strongly opposes jumps racing. Horses are subjected to a dangerous sport where they are required to jump over many fences at speed, while running long distances. As a result, jumps horses are highly susceptible to horrific falls, injuries and death.
Odds-on suffering
Jumps race injuries cause considerable pain and stress to the horse. Sometimes injuries can be so severe the horse will either die or require euthanasia.
Illogical races
Jumps have proven to be deadly for horses and dangerous for jockeys. Horses need to clear obstacles at least a metre high, in a pack, at speed, and over long distances.
Jumps will never be safe
Despite modifications to jumps and efforts to make racing safer, horses have continued to die. The RSPCA believes the time has come for jumps racing to stop.
Jumps racing deaths in Victoria and South Australia since 2009
| Year | Victoria | South Australia | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 10 | 3 | 13 |
| 2010 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 2011 | 6 | 5 | 11 |
| 2012 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| 2013 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 2014 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| 2015 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| 2016 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 2017 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Total | 41 | 17 | 58 |
Take Action
The form on the next page includes key points about why jumps should be banned altogether and the serious animal welfare implications of this sport.
You can personalise the submission text after choosing your state below, so your message makes an even greater impact.