Texas DPS Raids Unsanctioned Horse Racetrack: PETA Statement

For Immediate Release:
September 30, 2024

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Please see the following statement from PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo regarding the raid yesterday, as seen in this Facebook video, by the Texas Department of Public Safety of a “bush track” in Levelland at which unsanctioned horse racing was taking place:

“PETA congratulates the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) on its raid of Carril Mochomos, an unsanctioned Quarter Horse track in Levelland, and its arrest of nine individuals for numerous offenses, including engaging in organized criminal activity, money laundering, unlawful racing, illegal gambling activity, and racketeering. This action follows PETA’s complaint to the DPS in April urging state authorities to investigate a myriad of apparent crimes at the more than 50 bush tracks in Texas, including the rampant drugging and abuse of horses as well as many of the offenses DPS arrested individuals for during the raid. PETA also provided specific information to the agency about Carril Mochomos’ operations. This follows PETA’s previous investigation into unsanctioned racing in Georgia that resulted in charges against seven people where PETA’s investigators documented illegal gambling; trainers and jockeys injecting horses with cocaine, meth, and other street drugs; the use of electroshock devices to make horses run faster; and the deaths of horses on the track. PETA will release additional information soon.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment or abuse in any other way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on X, Facebook, or Instagram.