In a recent Ohio competition, a victorious racehorse tested positive for methamphetamines, putting its trainer in the crosshairs of PETA. The animal rights group is now rallying for a ban on the trainer from the industry.
From TMZ:
The horse, Gardys Legacy A, was given a blood test after winning a race at the MGM Northfield Park on September 3 ... and it came back positive for D-methamphetamine, a Class 1 Category A offense according to the U.S. Trotting Association.
Following the positive result, the Ohio State Racing Commission suspended trainer Samuel Schillaci for one year ... and ordered him to pay a $1k fine.
The Standardbred was also disqualified ... and the $4,500 winnings were returned.
That punishment clearly wasn't enough for PETA, the largest animal rights organization in the world, who are now calling on Schillaci to be permanently banned from the sport.
"This small administrative fine and suspension aren’t commensurate with such a serious violation," PETA's Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo said on Monday.
"Administering meth endangers a horse’s life, and trainers who treat a horse so callously will do the same to others, too. The commission should consider not only the safety of Gardys Legacy A but also that of all the other horses in Schillaci’s barn."
"Those who demonstrate such cruelty even one time show a clear disregard for the regulations and shouldn’t be granted the privilege of competing in your state ever again."
Guillermo added, "By permanently barring Schillaci from competing in Ohio, you would create a safer environment for all participants."
While I don't typically see eye to eye with PETA, this time, I've got to hand it to them – they're spot-on.
Doping horses with stuff like methamphetamines isn't just ethically questionable; it's downright putting these majestic beasts in serious jeopardy.
