Jeju Island has announced a comprehensive five-year plan to revitalize its equine sector, committing an investment of 55 billion won. (Image courtesy of Korea Racing Authority)
JEJU, Jan. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — In an ambitious move, Jeju Island has announced a comprehensive five-year plan to revitalize its equine sector, committing an investment of 55 billion won.
This initiative aims to enhance the breeding of Jeju horses, improve the performance of racehorses, expand equestrian experiences, and strengthen horse racing events.
Moon Gyeong-sam, head of the Bureau of Agriculture, Livestock and Food on Jeju Island, has expressed a strong commitment to laying a new foundation for Jeju’s horse industry, marking a significant pivot in the region’s approach to equine management and utilization.
However, this promising development in the equine sector is shadowed by serious welfare concerns for retired racehorses. A groundbreaking report by the Korea Animal Welfare Laboratory has shed light on the often grim fate of these animals post-retirement.
The report is the first of its kind in Korea, examining the conditions of retired racehorses in equestrian facilities across Gyeonggi Province and Jeju Island.
The investigation, conducted over six months, covered 48 equestrian sites. It revealed that many retired racehorses were living in substandard conditions, lacking essential care like adequate bedding and clean water.
The horses were found to be suffering from various health issues, including blindness and untreated injuries, yet many were still actively used in riding experiences.
The report also uncovered signs of mental stress and abnormal behaviors among the horses, indicating a severe lack of attention to their psychological wellbeing.
The survey also provided a detailed assessment of equestrian facilities in the regions. It found that a significant proportion of these sites were not providing basic necessities for the horses.
On Jeju Island, for instance, 14 out of 20 facilities were found to have horses that were malnourished. The report highlighted that over 90% of surveyed facilities failed to provide sufficient bedding, and 60-90% lacked adequate fresh water supplies.
Additionally, there were instances of horses being restrained in outdoor stables for extended periods, primarily for tourist riding experiences, raising serious concerns about their freedom of movement and overall welfare.
Veteran horses sent to equestrian centers were being used in harsh conditions. Pictured here is a horse that is blind in one eye due to a suspected eye disease, but is still being used for entertainment. (Image courtesy of the Korean Animal Welfare Association)
The report strongly advocates for legislative and systemic changes to address these pressing issues. It points out that current laws, including the Horse Industry Development Act and the Animal Protection Act, fall short in addressing the life protection and welfare of horses.
The Korean Animal Welfare Association calls for the introduction of horse welfare legislation, mandatory registration of horses, distinct guidelines for equestrian businesses, and a unified legal framework for managing equestrian facilities.
Additionally, the establishment of mandatory training systems for equestrian facility staff and guidelines for responding to instances of horse abuse are seen as crucial steps towards improving the situation.
Highlighting the urgency of these issues, a recent incident involving ‘Neulbom’ a retired American racehorse, has drawn significant attention. Neulbom was rescued from a meat farm on Jeju, just moments away from being slaughtered.
Born in the U.S. state of Kentucky as ‘My Elusive Dream’, Neulbom had a brief racing career before being exported to Korea for breeding. This case has been a poignant example of the grim reality faced by many retired racehorses in Korea.
Animal rights organizations, including PETA, have been vocal in their criticism of the Korean horse racing industry’s treatment of retired racehorses. Despite a PETA expose in May 2019, which revealed the widespread practice of slaughtering thoroughbred racehorses in Korea, little progress has been made in improving conditions.
This lack of action has spurred calls for comprehensive reform. Proposed legislation, such as amendments to the Animal Protection Act to address the welfare of retired racehorses, has seen stiff opposition from industry stakeholders, including the Korea Racing Authority, under the guise of property rights infringement.
As Jeju Island embarks on its ambitious plan to bolster its horse industry, the welfare of retired racehorses looms as a significant issue. Animal rights advocates say the growth of the industry must be balanced with the establishment of a robust welfare system that ensures the humane treatment of these animals throughout their lives, not just during their racing careers.
The need for an overarching system that can address the welfare of horses, provide guidelines for their management, and ensure compliance with humane treatment standards is more urgent than ever.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
