WASHINGTON (March 19, 2025)—A new report released by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, a federally mandated regulatory group that monitors thoroughbred racehorse safety, confirms that thoroughbreds are not only dying on race day but face significant risks in training as well. This data-based, revelatory report confirms the deep failures of those in the horse racing industry who have resisted reform for too long.
This is the first time in United States thoroughbred racing history that nationwide data on training fatalities has been publicly released. The report’s findings also indicate that racing-related deaths are nearly twice as high at facilities that haven’t yet adopted safety protocols prescribed by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, which partially went into effect in 2020. Additionally, state-level tracks operating outside HISA oversight note horse deaths at rates 80% higher than at HISA-regulated facilities. A listing of HISA-regulated by-state and by-racetrack horse fatalities data is available on pages 10 and 11 of the HISA report.
Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund—formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund—are calling for the adoption of requirements in the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act protocols at every track and stronger protections in racing and training.
“Too many horses are dying because some racetracks refuse to adopt even the most basic safety and anti-doping standards. The minimum protections within the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act are the least we should give to these magnificent but highly vulnerable animals,” said Sara Amundson, president of Humane World Action Fund. “A two-tier system where some tracks follow lifesaving protocols while others do not is unacceptable—every racing operation must meet uniform safety standards to prevent these needless deaths of majestic horses.”
“These critical findings bring much-needed transparency about the dangers of horse racing,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals. “The data reveals a harsh reality—young horses are dying before they even reach the starting gate. This new revelation throws the tracks that are robbing horses of their lives at such a ghastly rate into the hall of shame.”
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act and accountability requirements set by the HISA provide a framework to reduce horse fatalities. This new report demonstrates that the framework is beginning to be effective in enhancing racehorse safety. All racing participants should integrate these minimum safety and anti-doping standards into their operations to ensure the protection of the horses at the core of the racing industry.
Learn more about the need for horse racing reforms on the Humane World for Animals website.
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About Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund
For over 70 years, the Humane World family has worked to tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to permanent change. Formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society International and Humane Society Legislative Fund, we operate in over 50 countries with millions of supporters. Through advocacy, policy change, public education and direct care, we work to end the cruelest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Together, we are creating a humane world.