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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2016; 6(5); 32; doi: 10.3390/ani6050032

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

Abstract: Changing 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.
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Publication Date: 2016-05-03 PubMed ID: 27153097PubMed Central: PMC4880849DOI: 10.3390/ani6050032Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study examines the role of social and print media in shaping the debate about the use of whips in horse racing in the UK and Australia. It investigates how media portrayal affects public opinion and the eventual outcome on this contested issue, focusing on analyzing data from key periods between 2009 and 2015.

Research Focus

  • The research centers on the controversy surrounding the use of whips in horse racing in the UK and Australia.
  • It reviews the views of both supporters and opponents of whip usage, and how these perspectives are reflected in traditional and social media.
  • The paper takes into account the changes in these perceptions over time and the individuals or groups that predominantly voice their opinions on these platforms.

Role of Media

  • The study emphasises the impact of traditional print and social media in shaping public discussion and opinion regarding the use of whips in horse racing.
  • Media framing methodology is used to deconstruct the narratives that unfold in media, tracing how they affect societal views and the ultimate verdict on whip usage.

Implications for Animal Welfare

  • The debate has significant implications for equine welfare, as the discourses shape policies and regulations surrounding horse racing practices.
  • Depending on the inclination of media and public perspective, this could either enforce existing practices or motivate changes that could lead to improved horse wellbeing.

Contribution

  • This research could contribute significantly to discussions about media influence in shaping attitudes towards animal welfare and sports.
  • It could also provide insights on how media narratives can either reinforce or change public opinion on contentious issues, basing on how they are portrayed.

Cite This Article

APA
Graham R, McManus P. (2016). Changing Human-Animal Relationships in Sport: An Analysis of the UK and Australian Horse Racing Whips Debates. Animals (Basel), 6(5), 32. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani6050032

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 6
Issue: 5
PII: 32

Researcher Affiliations

Graham, Raewyn
  • School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia. raewyn.graham@sydney.edu.au.
McManus, Phil
  • School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia. phil.mcmanus@sydney.edu.au.

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Citations

This article has been cited 14 times.
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