FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sacramento, CA (August 10, 2005) – Today United Animal Nations condemned the so-called Omak “Suicide Race,” to be run in Omak, Washington this coming weekend. UAN president and CEO Jennifer Fearing mailed the following letter to the organizers, sponsors and local government officials responsible for its production.
Dear Organizer/Sponsor/Official,
One of my Board members, an avid horse lover, recently brought to my attention the upcoming Omak Suicide Race, to be held in Omak, Washington, as it has been since the 1930s, this weekend. After further investigation, I am truly sickened and horrified by the danger and cruelty associated with this event and I am saddened that such animal cruelty continues to be permitted by law.
Racing horses down a near vertical slope into a river greatly endangers both the horses and the riders – who among the two at least have the option to volunteer their participation. To continue to inflict such terror and suffering – and sometimes even death – all in the name of entertainment and tradition, is inhumane, and frankly, embarrassing.
All who participate in this event, or who are complicit in its operation, are contributing to the suffering of animals that have a traditional role in American history. Having served as companions to the Native Americans for centuries and helped Americans cross the country and settle the West – do they not have any claim to tradition themselves?
On behalf of United Animal Nations, a national animal advocacy organization, I wish to express our condemnation of this “sporting event”. We call on organizers, sponsors, participants and the local government to reconsider their involvement and put an end to this atrocious spectacle.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Fearing
President & CEO
More information about the Omak “Suicide Race” is available here.
Founded in 1987, United Animal Nations (UAN) is the nation’s leading provider of emergency animal sheltering and disaster relief and a key advocate for the critical needs of animals.
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