By Tia Rawlings
The horses partaking in this year’s olympics have allegedly been subject to severe animal cruelty. According to PETA, the animals have faced ‘vicious whipping’, alongside viewers noticing visual evidence of blood and blue tongues, which is caused by harsh pressure applied to the bit in the horses mouth during the shows.
Whilst the Olympics have not yet commented on the allegations, it is important to acknowledge that animal cruelty is unacceptable and that in 2024, large sports events such as the Olympics should not condone the abuse or mistreatment of animals. Considering the events history and publicity, animal abuse is definitely not something that should be tolerated.
PETA are pleading for the equestrian events at the Olympics to be abolished as this is not the first time that horse abuse has been recognised at the Olympic Games.
Their website states, ‘Horses don’t choose to compete in the Olympics—humans force them to do so through violence and coercion. Equestrian events can’t be fixed by better oversight or stronger rules. The only way to protect horses from this widespread cruelty is to get rid of these “sports” altogether. There is already a precedent: The horse-jumping portion of the modern pentathlon is being eliminated, beginning with the 2028 Olympics, following pressure from PETA and a public outcry over the whipping and punching of a frightened horse during the 2020 Games, which were held in 2021.’
Could there be less viewers /attendees for the 2028 Olympics?
2024 has been the year of boycotting and could there be an Olympics boycott on the cards to represent the unity of those who are against animal abuse?
As much as sporting events can be fun, when they involve animals, it is extremely important to recognise that they are living creatures and should be treated with kindness and care.
After all, you wouldn’t whip the gold medalist…
Best wishes,
Tia x
Fabulous writing Tia x