PETA Calls for Investigation Into Justify's Apparent Lameness

PETA Calls for Investigation Into Justify’s Apparent Lameness

For Immediate Release:
May 7, 2018

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Louisville, Ky. –

Please see the following statement from PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo:

PETA is calling on the stewards at Churchill Downs to order an immediate and independent veterinary examination of Justify and to review all his veterinary records and medications for the last year. He appeared to be avoiding putting weight on his left hind leg at a news conference yesterday—a condition dismissed by trainer Bob Baffert as “scratches” brought on by the muddy track at the Kentucky Derby. However, this skin condition typically leads to lameness only when it’s chronic. PETA wants to know: Has Justify been suffering from a chronic ailment that has led to lameness, or is he injured? If he’s injured, he must not be allowed to race in the Preakness— and PETA is not confident that Mr. Baffert will reveal the horse’s true condition.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.