With this new information (that horses aren't bred specially for Jumps Racing), can someone PLEASE EXPLAIN why we are trying to ban jumps racing? Because obviously by banning jumps racing we are killing more horses than we are saving!
I like your question, as in my opinion it is ncessary to evaluate the actions that one takes. As the resources (time, money and motivation of activists) are limited. Therfore I am keen to be involved in things that have lasting ramifications. The jumps campaign at first glance seems not to be a valuable campaign, and I initially got on board because I was only just 'finding my feet' as an activist, and didn't know where to direct my energies.
I now believe this campaign is very worthwhile. Primarily for this one reason:
Having horses die on the track and having it not go challenged normalises cruelty and indifference to animals.
In addition, the Jumps campaign, has got people seriously questioning the ethics of race horsing. This has come up in discussion with non-AR friends. And I believe that this is a major victory. By shining the spolight on jumps racing, we have shone a light into the darker corners of the racing industry, and really got people discussing this issue.
Aside from the campaign itself, the jumps protests have vitalised the grass roots AR movement in Melbourne, when it seemed, to all intents and purpses, dead. I am hoping that other people will come along and start getting involved with other activities. There is a lot to do, and we need to start getting active.
There are so many things to be address, and grass root activism is vital. Grass roots activism (protests, petitions, leafletting) does not work on it's own - it needs the backing of politicians, larger organisations, the media, etc. However it is a vital component to an effective campaign. I am hoping that the Jumps Campaign will serve as a model to other activists on how to campaign (dress codes at protests, effective use of media, etc)
