The Sunday News
Mandla Moyo, Sports Reporter
HORSE racing analyst Sheldene Chant has called upon the horse racing community to come up with a plan to cater for retired horses.
Writing online, Chant said horse owners should also have a plan on how to take care of their animals.
“Main topics of conversation in the country cover rising prices and lack of water and electricity, if you are into racing, add in the shortage of horses, rising costs and so forth and so on. I was thinking this would be a good time to set up a trust account and start raising money towards a sanctuary for needy ex-racehorses. I am only sorry we didn’t do this years ago when the industry was flourishing but better late than never,” said Chant.
She went on to say that if horse owners can not provide for their animals after racing, they must make sure they are suitably re-homed or moved to other disciplines.
“However, horses change hands, the original owners lose track, and that’s where many of the horror stories begin,” she added.
It is also her observation that on a good note in Zimbabwe, many former racehorses are absorbed into dressage, show-jumping, among other equines sporting disciplines.
“There are pleasant places where horses can be retired if owners can afford the fees, however, there is always a dark side if we had the guts to investigate,” she added.
Chant suggested a one percent levy on all racing stakes to kick start the programme.
In Zimbabwe the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is responsible for the welfare of animals and any laws flouted may result in a fine on the offender or the animal being taken away for safe keeping.
