HERE’S a way to boost national productivity – cancel the Melbourne Cup. All work stops for two hours nationally and effectively for two days in Victoria – just to celebrate a cruel and violent event.
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Ever since Archer became famous for winning the first Melbourne Cup while already injured, a race in which two other horses died, countless other horses have suffered catastrophic injuries on the racetrack after being whipped mercilessly and pushed past their limits.
Last year, Red Cadeaux was killed after breaking a leg during the race.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have discovered that half the racehorses they studied had blood in the windpipe, and nearly all of them had blood deeper in the lungs (close to 90 per cent).
Apart from trauma to the respiratory system, most horses suffer from stomach ulcers.
Studies both in Sydney and the US have discovered over 85 per cent had lesions in the stomach lining.
Sick and injured horses may also be given steroids, which can mask pain or make a horse run faster. Most broken-down horses don’t make headlines; they’re just quietly shipped interstate where they’re slaughtered for human consumption.
There’s nothing “sporting” about a pastime in which animals routinely suffer and die. It's time for the nation to stop the race that stops the nation.
Des Bellamy
PETA
IT’S THE ECONOMY, STUPID
IF THE questions I have asked about animal liberationist Lisa Ryan’s business experience and present employment amounts to a vitriolic personal attack, as some have suggested, they need to get into the real world.
Ms Ryan seems determined to prevent jobs in agriculture being created in Harden.
They state the real job growth here is in tourism, not agriculture!
What a joke that is.
While the coffee shops are fine, they are mainly frequented by locals, not tourists.
I doubt there is room for more coffee in Harden.
Agriculture contributes about 75 per cent of the income flowing into the shire and health and grants to council make up most of the balance.
Tourism would not make up 1 per cent, even with the excellent motel upgrade.
As demand for food from Asia and elsewhere increases, as it is now, agriculture will become even more important.
The area has prospered from producing food and employment and always will, provided those mentioned herein do not succeed in stopping it.
Tourism does not produce meat and chicken and eggs and grain.
Those who are interested in the future of Harden need to support it, not destroy it.
Ross Flanery
Galong
Thank you Hilltops
Thank you to Hilltops Council for the new footpath in front of St. Joseph's School, Boorowa. This has now made the school drop off zone a step closer to being safer.
The standard is now similar with other educational facilities within the Boorowa township.
The ongoing negotiations I have had with council over the last few years regarding a footpath is much appreciated, with council swiftly budgeting and constructing this very welcomed infrastructure recently.
Sue Braid
