The Tragic Death of Eight Belles

Tragedy struck at Churchill Downs this past Saturday, when Eight Belles—the first filly to run the race since 1999—collapsed with two broken ankles after coming in second at the Kentucky Derby. Due to injuries so severe she couldn’t be moved off the track, the three-year-old equine was euthanized immediately following the race.

While there is no evidence that Eight Belles was the victim of abuse, the fact remains that she was subject to compete in a sport known for its inhumane tactics.

“The fragile nature of thoroughbred racehorses and the stress and rigors that these animals are subject to are loudly evidenced in this tragedy,” said ASPA President & CEO Ed Sayres. “The sport of horse racing is no different than other forms of entertainment where animals are forced to perform, oftentimes in stressful and inhumane conditions. These include being raced too young before reaching physical maturity, being raced excessively, being forced to run on hard or slippery surfaces or being injected with drugs to enhance performance.”

It is unfortunate that almost all racing jurisdictions—New York being one exception—now allow potent anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs to be administered to injured and lame horses to keep them racing in spite of chronic and painful injuries.

To read our complete statement issued earlier this week, please visit ASPCA.org.

Adoption Diaries: Happy Endings

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

I bring good cheer! This weekend we held a huge adoption event, which was an enormous success. Thirty-four cats and 10 dogs were adopted--among them were long-term residents and special needs animals. I'd like to highlight a few special cases, animals you've read about before on this blog.


I was incredibly excited to hear about the adoption of Bianca, a white, three-year-old Siamese mix kitty who was here for a long time She is an outgoing and feisty girl who loved a little lap time, and affection on her own terms. I couldn't understand why she wasn't getting adopted! She went home with another cat named Duncan.

Yankee is a smartie-pants eight-year-old pit bull who was rescued by our HLE (Humane Law Enforcement) officers. He didn't have so much patience for adult dogs, but he absolutely loved puppies. "Yankee did a lot of puppy-sitting during his stay with us, and became known in the shelter as our resident puppy-nursemaid," said Barbara MacDonald, ASPCA Volunteer Coordinator, Feline Enrichment. "He got to watch quite a few puppies come and go in the shelter, and had to wait a long time to finally get a home of his own--he was with us for 8 months, so it was a very happy day when he finally found a permanent home."

Cali is a wonderful four-year-old pit, and she, too, was rescued by our animal cops. During her five months here, she was a real lover, and you could always find her sitting on laps. "She didn't get such a great start in life, but you'd never know it from her personality, because she really does adore people," said Barbara. Her trust in people was rewarded this Sunday when she met her new adopter.

** Be sure to check out my Flickr page to see all the photos from my visits to the adoption center.

** View available animals at our adoption center

Parents, Talk with ASPCA Expert About Humane Education!

How can I reinforce humane education for my kids during the summer?

Why is it important for kids to learn about animal welfare?

I heard you have a book club—can I sign up?

Hey parents, want to chat about raising the next generation of veterinarians, animal cops, shelter workers and volunteers? If you’d like some great suggestions for teaching your kids how to begin a lifetime of loving and respecting animals, please join Joanne Pentangelo, ASPCA Humane Education Specialist, for a live discussion on Friday, May 9. She’ll be waiting for you on the ASPCA Online Community from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST, and we at the ASPCA—especially the four-legged “staff”—are grateful for your interest in showing kids how to care for the furry members of the family.

Adoption Diaries: Two Sets of Roomies

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

This week I am biased and can't help but devote my attention and space to Xavier and Papa, a pair of gorgeous three-year-old Siamese twins. (Yes, I know it's redundant to say a pair of twins. Leave me alone, this is a blog!) So back to the boys. When I first saw them, they were lying together side by side in perfect twin fashion. They took my breath away with their beauty. They each sported a rich, chocolate coat and bright blue eyes.


The atrocity you're hearing in this video is me singing the "We are Siamese" song from Lady and the Tramp. Note the twins' clever escape from my singing. One of them even yelps at the end. That's okay, I don't blame them.



I let them out to roam about the floor, and I was amazed at how sweet they were! They had already won me over with their beauty, so their personalites were a nice bonus. Yeah, shallow, I know. Papa especially was a mushball--he got on his back with his paws in the air and started purring! A cat is a cat is a cat, huh?

Junior wears cute little shoes on his paws to protect his weak hind legs. He's a real sweetheart--we often have him accompany us at events. He loves everyone--adults, children, other dogs--so he's a joy to have around. He was with us at the CBS Early Show on ASPCA Day, and made friends with CBS weatherman Dave Price.
Junior's roomie is another sweetheart, a Dobie called Madison. They are both wonderfully calm and low-energy. I was able to just relax and pet them. We had a grand old time.

** Be sure to check out my Flickr page to see all the photos from my visits to the adoption center.

** View available animals at our adoption center.

Because Moms Love Cute Wittle Animals

Happy May! You know what May means--Mother's Day! (Even if you try to forget, TV won't let you. And if you keep your TV shut, your mom won't let you forget either.) After all, even the most selfless moms want to be recognized one day a year—and now thankful husbands, kiddies and other family members can choose a gift she’ll really love. Check out the jewelry, books and other items selected especially for Mother’s Day in our Online Store. Not only will giving a gift from the ASPCA help us in our mission to save animals, but Mom will look great spreading the message in one of our ladies’ fitted tees!

Voluntarily Showin' Gratitude

It's National Volunteer Week! The staff at the ASPCA Adoption Center has decorated the building for the volunteers and is providing yummy treats all week. Our volunteers are crucial to the well-being and happiness of our animals.

If you've thought about volunteering at an animal shelter, this is the perfect time to check out your options! Visit your local shelter and ask how you can help! If you live in New York City, you can volunteer at New York City Animal Care and Control.

If you're already a volunteer, thank you for your important, selfless work. We couldn't do it without you.

Live Chat about "ER Vets"Tomorrow!

Henry's Book Club is pleased to host Donna Jackson, Henry Bergh Children's Book Award winning author of ER Vets, for a live chat tomorrow, Tuesday, April 29, from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. EST.

Please show your support for Henry's Book Club, and join in the fun. Donna will answer all your questions about the life of ER Vets. Please invite your whole family to participate--it's easy to register.