Racing told to focus on ethical argument in engaging with sport's critics

British racing has been urged to be more proactive in defending the ethical argument in favour of staging the sport in the face of increasing criticism from outside forces.

Speaking at the Horseracing Industry Conference hosted by the University of Liverpool in London on Tuesday, Dr Madeleine Campbell, from the Royal Veterinary College, warned against ignoring critical public opinion.

She told delegates from various sectors of the industry: “I don’t believe that the way forward for the industry is to say, ‘We shouldn’t be concerned with it.’

"Taking that attitude is a clear route to abolition. My personal view is that the industry has to become more engaged in talking about the ethical issues of racing, in order to guarantee racing can continue.”

While admitting social concerns about the treatment of animals for public pleasure and entertainment had shifted over recent years, she added: “We can make ethical arguments in favour of racing, but a key part is that welfare needs to be thought about proactively and needs to be protected.

“One can make the ethical argument based on balancing harm and benefits by showing that everything possible is being done to protect the welfare of the animals involved, as well as the people.”

Stressing her preferred position to counter criticism, Campbell said: “When the industry is thinking about welfare, it shouldn’t be saying, ‘This is a small group of animal rights’ activists we can safely ignore’, but nor should it expect to win an animal rights’ argument.

“What needs to be concentrated on is the utilitarian argument with people who are essentially supporters of racing but are nonetheless concerned about welfare issues.

"Although racing does involve some harm to animals, it is outweighed by the benefits of racing, not only to humans but to animals too. For the phase of its life when it is racing, the racehorse is very well looked after. They are benefiting from being involved in racing.”

Countering criticism about the perceived triviality of horseracing, Campbell said: “We shouldn’t be afraid of pointing out that the economic benefits [of the sport] are substantial, with a particularly important effect on rural communities. This needs to be included in the ethical argument.”

Dr Campbell suggested there was an easy way out of the impasse surrounding the use of the whipCredit: Alan Crowhurst

One aspect of the sport that especially concerned Campbell was use of the whip, about which she suggested there was “an easy fix”.

She said: “I find it impossible to make the ethical argument in favour of the use of the whip for encouragement. I work with horses and accept the argument that you need certain equipment to improve safety, so it's right for the whip to be carried for safety reasons. It would be irresponsible not to do so.”

However, she said the industry could “make a quick decision” to bar the whip for encouragement, “which would have a positive effect on public perception”.

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