RSPCA Victoria
Media Release
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Victoria)
ACN 131 965 761
ABN 56 749 449 191
SPRING RACING CARNIVAL ATTENDEES PUT THEMSELVES IN THE SHOES OF JUMPS
RACING HORSES
2 November, 2009: RSPCA Victoria is urging all horse lovers and Spring Racing Carnival
attendees to put themselves in the shoes of jumps racing horses this season, and wear a
RSPCA supporter ribbon to Spring Racing events to show their support for a ban on jumps
racing.
Maria Mercurio, CEO, RSPCA Victoria, said: “The RSPCA wanted to give the community
and those that attend flat racing events a larger voice in the jumps racing debate. Our
“I’ve put myself in their shoes” campaign provides the community with an avenue to
visually show its opposition to jumps racing, and communicate to the industry that race
goers do not want to see horses suffer while enjoying a day at the races.”
The RSPCA has embarked on the campaign following results from an independent
consumer research survey showed an overwhelming support from the community to see
an end to jumps racing.
The survey which examined the perceptions of the community on jumps racing, showed
that a quarter of all respondents have stopped attending flat races because of the jumps
format. 43% of respondents also felt less favourable toward the racing industry in
general because it has allowed the continuation of jumps racing.
This perception was particularly prevalent in females and those aged 18-35 years olds
with 76% of females and 74% of 18-35 year olds wanting jumps racing banned. Overall,
2/3rds of all respondents supported or would consider supporting a ban on jumps racing
after hearing about the animal welfare issues surrounding the sport.
“Results from our independently commissioned research survey indicate that the
majority of the community wants to see an end to jumps racing. By the community
joining forces with us and wearing supporter ribbons to spring racing events, the RSPCA
hopes to show the racing industry once and for all that the community and the race
going public support our views. It is time for Racing Victoria to take notice and put an
end to this legalised cruelty,” Ms. Mercurio added.
Free supporter ribbons are available from RSPCA Burwood East or www.rspcavic.org
For more information, please contact:
Tim Pilgrim
Media Coordinator
RSPCA Victoria
P: 03 9224 2237
E: tpilgrim@rspcavic.org.au
NEWS 
