Where do I report cruelty to horses at a racetrack?
Racetracks are an exception to the investigatory and arrest powers of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. The ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement officers have no jurisdiction at racetracks and normally are not even allowed to enter the grounds. In New York State, cruelty to horses witnessed at racetracks must instead be reported to the New York Racing Association (NYRA), which has its own policelike division in charge of investigating cruelty complaints. However, investigatory jurisdiction may not be distributed this way in your state. To find out who has the power to investigate cruelty at horse racetracks where you live—as well as at dog tracks, if applicable—your first call should be to whichever agency is endowed with general animal cruelty investigatory and arrest powers. If you are not sure what agency that is, visit our list of anti-cruelty investigatory-arrest powers by state. You may also wish to directly contact your state’s racing and/or wagering bureau (the equivalent of the NYRA in
Racetracks are an exception to the investigatory and arrest powers of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. The ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement officers have no jurisdiction at racetracks and normally are not even allowed to enter the grounds. In New York State, cruelty to horses witnessed at racetracks must instead be reported to the New York Racing Association (NYRA), which has its own policelike division in charge of investigating cruelty complaints. However, investigatory jurisdiction may not be distributed this way in your state. To find out who has the power to investigate cruelty at horse racetracks where you live—as well as at dog tracks, if applicable—your first call should be to whichever agency is endowed with general animal cruelty investigatory and arrest powers. If you are not sure what agency that is, visit our list of anti-cruelty investigatory-arrest powers by state. You may also wish to directly contact your state’s racing and/or wagering bureau (the equivalent of the NYRA in
