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PloS one2018; 13(2); e0192843; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192843

Flogging tired horses: Who wants whipping and who would walk away if whipping horses were withheld?

Abstract: Recent studies have cast doubt on the effectiveness of whipping horses during races and this has led to questions concerning its continuing justification. Furthermore, it has been argued that whipping tired horses in racing is the most televised form of violence to animals. The present study used de-identified data from a recent independent Australian poll (n = 1,533) to characterise the 26% of respondents (113 females and 271 males) who support the whipping of racehorses and the 10% of racing enthusiasts in the sample (44 females and 63 males) who would stop watching races and betting on them if whipping were banned. Logistic regression models examining associations between age, gender, and income level of respondents demonstrated that those who support racehorse whipping are significantly more likely to be male. Among racing enthusiasts who would stop watching races and betting on them if whipping were banned, those in the lowest income bracket were over-represented. The more frequently respondents attended races or gambled on them, the more likely they were to agree that horses should be hit with a whip during the normal course of a race. These findings align with previous studies of violence among men and women but may also be attributed to male support of traditional gambling practices. Globally, racing organisations may consider the findings of the present study helpful in their deliberations on the merits of continuing the practice of whipping tired horses in the name of sport. The study might also provide important data for stakeholders who demand that it continues.
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Publication Date: 2018-02-21 PubMed ID: 29466458PubMed Central: PMC5821321DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192843Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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.

This research explores people’s attitudes towards the controversial practice of whipping horses during races. It found that supporters tend to be male and frequent race-goers or gamblers; if whipping were banned, those most likely to abandon watching or betting on races were people in the lowest income bracket.

Introduction to the Study

  • The study emerged from a growing body of research questioning the effectiveness and morality of whipping horses in races.
  • It scrutinises a contentious issue in the racing industry: the common practice of hitting tired horses, often televised, to encourage them to run faster.
  • This research aimed to understand who supports horse whipping during races, and who would stop watching or betting if the practice was banned.

Data Source and Analysis

  • This research used de-identified data from an independent Australian survey, involving 1,533 respondents.
  • It analysed this data to find patterns associating age, gender, and income level with people’s views on horse whipping and their potential behaviour if it were outlawed.
  • Statistical analysis was completed using logistic regression models to investigate and determine these associations.

Study Findings

  • The study found that 26% of respondents, predominately male, support whipping racehorses.
  • Among racing enthusiasts, 10% said they would stop watching races and betting on them if whipping was prohibited, this group was over-represented by individuals in the lowest income bracket.
  • The more frequently respondents attended races or gambled on them, the more likely they were to believe horses should be whipped during a race.

Implications and Interpretations

  • The findings suggest a link between frequency of attendance or gambling at races and support for whipping.
  • Typically, males and those at lower income levels appear more likely to stop watching or betting on races if whipping was banned.
  • The outcomes correspond with previous studies on violence among different genders, although they may also reflect male support for longstanding gambling practices.
  • This study’s findings could be useful to global racing organisations during their considerations about the ongoing use of whipping, providing a view of the stakeholders who might insist that the tradition continues.

Cite This Article

APA
McGreevy PD, Griffiths MD, Ascione FR, Wilson B. (2018). Flogging tired horses: Who wants whipping and who would walk away if whipping horses were withheld? PLoS One, 13(2), e0192843. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192843

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 2
Pages: e0192843
PII: e0192843

Researcher Affiliations

McGreevy, Paul D
  • Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Griffiths, Mark D
  • International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Ascione, Frank R
  • Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America.
Wilson, Bethany
  • Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Welfare
  • Animals
  • Fatigue
  • Female
  • Gambling / psychology
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Running
  • Sex Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Sports / psychology

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
  1. Stallones L, McManus P, McGreevy P. Sustainability and the Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing Industries: An Enhanced One Welfare Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jan 31;13(3).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13030490pubmed: 36766378google scholar: lookup
  2. Wilson BJ, Thompson KR, McGreevy PD. The race that segments a nation: Findings from a convenience poll of attitudes toward the Melbourne Cup Thoroughbred horse race, gambling and animal cruelty. PLoS One 2021;16(3):e0248945.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248945pubmed: 33760873google scholar: lookup
  3. Anzulewicz A, Fenner K, Hyde M, Heald S, Burattini B, Romness N, McKenzie J, Wilson B, McGreevy P. The Impact of the Sex of Handlers and Riders on the Reported Social Confidence, Compliance and Touch Sensitivity of Horses in Their Care. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jan 8;11(1).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11010130pubmed: 33430130google scholar: lookup
  4. Thompson K, McManus P, Stansall D, Wilson BJ, McGreevy PD. Is Whip Use Important to Thoroughbred Racing Integrity? What Stewards' Reports Reveal about Fairness to Punters, Jockeys and Horses. Animals (Basel) 2020 Oct 29;10(11).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10111985pubmed: 33137898google scholar: lookup
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