10/04/2024
"Our praise goes to the Guardia di Finanza of Pisa for uncovering serious episodes of harm to horses: for years we have been stating that horse racing is inherently a criminogenic activity, a potential driver of serious crimes ranging from animal abuse to various violations, as demonstrated in this case. We assert, without fear of contradiction, that horse racing potentially provides 'raw material' for illegal racing circuits and clandestine slaughterhouses. We welcome widespread control operations like the one conducted this morning."
These were the words of IHP President Sonny Richichi, commenting on the operation by the Guardia di Finanza. This morning, during a series of inspections of several businesses operating in the horse racing sector, they reported the manager of a stable located within the Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli Park Authority for mistreating animals, after finding banned and doping substances. Additionally, 19 undeclared or irregular workers were found in two other well-known horse breeding and training businesses in the area.
"This morning's activities should prompt institutions to carefully reflect on the true nature of the horse racing world, which they stubbornly promote and fund with reckless blindness, thus misusing state resources – continued Richichi. – I am referring particularly to the Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, who even describes it as a strategic sector for the national economy, when in fact it is a sector in deep and chronic crisis. He has even created a new General Directorate within the ministry but has obviously omitted to allocate even a single euro or a brief thought to all the horses that, every year, in their hundreds, leave the racing circuits. A horse can live up to 30 years and beyond, but in racetracks, they are exploited for only 8-10 years and then discarded. Where are all these horses? What happens to them? We have a clear idea and are willing to explain it to the minister if he wishes. Even worse is the mayor of Pisa, Michele Conti, who just a few days ago enthusiastically celebrated the 134th Premio Pisa held at the San Rossore racetrack on social media, cheering that Pisa is increasingly becoming the city of horse racing. What this actually means was demonstrated to him by the military this morning."