Animals shouldn’t die for amusement

Regarding the Omak “Killer” Race: Let’s not mince words, let’s call this race exactly what it is – a killer race, not a suicide race.

Elvis, the horse that was killed, did not have to die. He was killed by a thoughtless, uncaring rider whose only concern was to get to the bottom of the hill and to the finish line faster than the other uncaring irresponsible riders. If these big brave men are so inclined to plunge down a 210-foot hill at an almost vertical 62-degree angle, then by all means let them do so, but not with a horse beneath them!

What a sick and disgusting tradition Omak has become known for.

I listened to John Carlson’s KVI Radio Show recently to hear a discussion on the “Suicide Race” and was pleased to hear several callers and two animal activists who were his guests express the same feeling of outrage that I feel about this barbaric “sport.” I listened with sadness and disbelief at the moronic, Neanderthal mentality of those callers who consider this cruel display to be fun and exciting.

Millions of years upon this earth and we’ve learned little when it comes to showing compassion to animals.

This beautiful animal and the 11 horses who have been killed since 1983, did not need to forfeit their lives to entertain a jeering, screaming crowd who place little or no value on an animals’ life.

Have we become so callous that we aren’t capable of understanding the fear these horses feel as they’re falling and slamming into each other? Or do we simply not care?

Animals are sentient beings. They are capable of feeling and perceiving. They were not put here for our entertainment, nor exploitation, yet we continue to do both without conscience or remorse. Just how many animals have to die before we are happily entertained?

Everett

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

Fresh produce is put in bags at the Mukilteo Food Bank on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024 in Mukilteo, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: County’s food banks need your help to aid neighbors

The suspension of SNAP food aid has increased demand at food banks. Their efforts need your donations.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Nov. 1

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

2024 Presidential Election Day Symbolic Elements.
Editorial: A recap of Herald Editorial Board endorsements

By The Herald Editorial Board Voters, open up your ballots and voters… Continue reading

Comment: Disparity in rights of home owners vs. renters

A guilty verdict against a landlord was the exception to the rule for a renter locked out of his home.

Edie Everette
Forum: Craving a smoke, taking stock, paring things and moving on

Herewith, a few thoughts (some bitter, some sweet, some nostalgic) on moving to a new home and community.

Forum: Those who need feedback the most don’t ask for it

We frequently get requests to let businesses and others know how they did; just not from the government.

The Buzz: We leave for a few days and all hell breaks loose

OK, it was breaking loose long before our vacation, but, still, somebody actually gave Trump a crown?

Schwab: Trump lives the life of a flexible dog, because he can

With a pliant Congress and Court, the president finds every impulse easily bent to his whims.

Comment: A hunger for leadership, compassion as SNAP snaps shut

There’s plenty of blame to go around, most of all for President Trump’s bullying of his opponents.

‘No sit, no lie’ ordinance hasn’t solved anything in Everett

Everett’s “no sit, no lie” buffer zone ordinance was intended to address… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.