Criminal charges brought after a jumper defeats a horse

PETA calls for criminal investigation after horrific act of violence –at the camera– Last month at a horse racing event in Thermal, California. Kevin Lemke, a competing jumper, was filmed in the show ring at Desert International Horse Park in the $ 25,000 Open Classic class aggressively hitting a horse named Luck several times with his whip after the animal refused to jump. In a fit of sheer disappointment, Lemke hit his luck. So Strong so that the sound of the whip hitting the horse’s skin can be heard in the video below:

The “punishment” that the apparently furious Lemke imposed on Luck led to his disqualification, but this is a problem of brutality that goes beyond just breaking the rules.

PETA has already filed a complaint about Lemke’s mistreatment with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. But we do not stop there.

We also call on the US Equestrian Federation and the Fédération Équestre Internationale – the organizations to which Lemke belongs – to conduct their own thorough investigation of this aggressive and unstable person. Although he was disqualified for his behavior at that particular event, these industry supervisors should prosecute all appropriate action, including considering barring him from participating in future events and permanently revoking his right to participate and membership.

Lemke’s behavior is a red flag. Investigators should also examine his behavior as a coach more broadly, including his behavior. outside exhibition ring.

Lemke committed this blatant act of violence in front of the public – in front of judges and other competitors – and seems to have done so without the slightest hesitation. This raises serious questions about his handling of animals when he believes no one is watching. Research has repeatedly shown that those who harm animals often channel their rage on other people later. This is why we are adamant that law enforcement and all show jumping organizations, to which Lemke belongs, also study his behavior during education and training.

Inside PETA’s Work Against Horse Abuse

PETA does not endorse deadly “sports” involving horses. Anyway, just changes can make a huge difference to horses. You can support our efforts by encouraging racetracks to adopt the following rules and commitments to protect horses:

Act for the horses!