Changing Human-Animal Relationships in Sport: An Analysis of the UK and Australian Horse Racing Whips Debates

Abstract

Simple SummaryThis paper identifies the various perceptions held by advocates and opponents about the use of the whip in thoroughbred racing, as portrayed in print and social media. Three time periods in two countries were investigated, Australia (2009) and the UK (2011), following the introduction of new whip rules and the period August 2014–August 2015 for both countries to identify whether perceptions had changed. The major area of contention between advocates and opponents was whether the whip is an essential tool or a cruel instrument. This tension remained in 2015. The research also revealed that people opposed to the whip were more likely to express their views on social media than in print media.AbstractChanging social values and new technologies have contributed to increasing media attention and debate about the acceptable use of animals in sport. This paper focuses on the use of the whip in thoroughbred horse racing. Those who defend its use argue it is a necessary tool needed for safety, correction and encouragement, and that it does not cause the horse any pain. For those who oppose its use, it is an instrument of cruelty. Media framing is employed to unpack the discourses played out in print and social media in the UK (2011) and Australia (2009) during key periods of the whip debate following the introduction of new whip rules. Media coverage for the period August 2014–August 2015 for both countries is also considered. This paper seeks to identify the perceptions of advocates and opponents of the whip as portrayed in conventional and social media in Australia and the UK, to consider if these perceptions have changed over time, and whose voices are heard in these platforms. This paper contributes to discussions on the impacts that media sites have either in reinforcing existing perspectives or creating new perspectives; and importantly how this impacts on equine welfare.

Thoroughbred Racehorse Welfare through the Lens of ‘Social License to Operate—With an Emphasis on a U.S. Perspective

“…The authors suggest that female respondents who attended horse races or wagered on races, if they were horse enthusiasts, may be generally more aware and/or knowledgeable about equine welfare compared to their male equivalents. Graham and McManus (2016) utilized media framing and critical discourse analysis (CDA) to identify perceptions of advocates and opponents of whip use depicted in conventional and social media [100]. Discourse concerning whip use was investigated at three time points in two countries, Australia (2009) and the United Kingdom (2011), following introduction of new whip rules, and during the period August 2014-August 2015 to observe whether perceptions changed over time.…”

Interspecies Sustainability to Ensure Animal Protection: Lessons from the Thoroughbred Racing Industry

“…The majority of industry participants is situated in that lower left quadrant, with integrity being of some concern, and some may be truly concerned about the welfare of the horse. But mostly, there is ongoing resistance to welfare reform from the bottom up, such as resisting racing authorities' efforts to reduce the use of the whip or to ban it [87], or resistance to medication reform [39]. Most industry informants refer to certain individuals or groups of people who they see are corrupting the integrity of racing and compromising thoroughbred welfare.…”

Responding to Risk: Regulation or Prohibition? New Zealand Media Reporting of Thoroughbred Jumps Racing 2016–2018

“…Changing social values and new technologies have contributed to increasing media attention and public debate about the acceptable use of animals in sport [14]. The acceptable use of animals in sport has been discussed in terms of social license [15].…”

“…Debates about jumps racing around the world have been played out via mass media and have relevance in the ongoing cultural renegotiation of the meanings, norms and governance of human–animal relationships in modern societies [11]. Two key factors have influenced changes in the way racehorses are understood by most people: The increased presence of animal rights/protection groups and communication technology changing the way horse racing and associated welfare issues are presented and debated in the media [14]. Media portrayal of issues involving animals can influence public perceptions, which may impact on government policy or other actions in relation to animals [2].…”