DEAR READERS: The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) has been in effect since July 2022, but the start date for the act's Antidoping and Medication Control program has been delayed repeatedly. It finally took effect May 22, but will face additional appeals from the horseracing industry, including from the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. Eric Hamelback, the organization's CEO, vowed to take the case to the Supreme Court if it is not overturned by a lower court. (Full story: The Associated Press, May 4)
In the span of five days leading up to this year's Kentucky Derby on May 6, four horses died at Churchill Downs. The racing of equines -- selectively bred to be highly muscular at a young age, a condition that can cause damage to their skeletal structures when driven hard and fast -- should be prohibited. I document this issue, and other reasons why these horses suffer limb fractures and must be euthanized, on my website: drfoxonehealth.com/post/race-horse-welfare-reforms-long-overdue.
DEAR DR. FOX: I honestly don't know how you continue your fight to better this world for animals when just reading a mere column about the issue upsets me so much. The depressing statistics you provide are just heartbreaking.
My heart goes out to the people running the farm rescues and dog and cat rescues that I follow on Instagram. For example, a man in Serbia has 1,200-plus dogs at his shelter, and some days he runs out of food. (It's Vucjak Shelter, in case you want to check it out -- the poor man is a true hero.)
So, a huge shout-out to you. Thank you for continuing to preach. -- G.B., West Palm Beach, Florida
DEAR G.B.: Your words will hit home for many people who still care, but are feeling absolute despair. This reminds me of the story by Loren Eiseley in his book "The Star Thrower." Thousands of starfish were being swept onto high ground by a powerful tide, and a person was throwing some back into the ocean. When asked if the task was pointless, the response was, "If you can save one, you save one."
There are other variations of this story, including Albert Camus' "The Plague," in which a doctor labors seemingly in vain, putting his own life at risk in hopeless circumstances. Our compassion and courage against insurmountable odds reflect the noble spirit of humanity, which is now becoming as endangered as this beautiful planet we have so defiled.
Living with animals, being in nature and observing wildlife can enable us to step outside of ourselves -- outside the confines of purely human relationships, responsibilities and dystopian "civilizations." We have turned our backs on nature, engaging in wanton destruction for millennia, and hardened our hearts in our harvesting and slaughter of animals -- other sentient beings that are more like us than they are different. Nature and animals may yet still save humankind from the tragic consequences of our disconnectedness as more people support conservation and animal protection, which are basic elements of civil society and the hallmarks of a viable democracy and economy, as I emphasize in my book "Animals and Nature First."
The separation of church from state amounts to nothing when both separate us from the Earth and from all life. When we come to respect and understand the powers of nature, and do not abuse or misuse them, they will not destroy us.
(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.
Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)