The proliferation of betting shops in our high streets and the associated issue of the amounts gambled on high stakes gaming machines have been the subject of intense political debate recently.
The welfare of animals in the betting industry, I am thinking in particular of racehorses, receives a lot less interest.
I have always been a very strong supporter of the rights of animals, but having developed a keen interest in horseracing a few years ago, I started to examine much more closely the treatment of the non-human participants in what is a multi-billion pound industry.
Horseracing is an international sport, with the top competitors going long distances to chase big prizes.
Two of the big welfare issues are the use of the whip and races that involve jumping over obstacles.
In the case of the former, there are restrictions placed on the amount of times a jockey can use the whip.
Any infringement results in a ban for the jockey, the length of which depends on the severity of the offence.
These rules were introduced with the involvement of the RSPCA.
There are a small number of races where the whip is not used, these are known as hands and heels races.
The question is should the use of the whip be banned entirely?
Having listened to the arguments for and against many times, I would say ‘yes’.
The only argument in favour of its continued use is that it can be crucial in getting that extra bit from the horse in a close finish.
If no jockey had a whip then they would all have to use a different method, i.e. hands and heels.
Turning to the issue of jumping, (a form of racing which is not practised worldwide, but is very popular in the UK and France), the welfare issues are much bigger.
Jump racing over fences does result in regular falls and when this leads to injuries such as broken legs the unfortunate horse is destroyed.
Estimates vary, but it is fairly safe to say that over 100 horses die in this manner in the UK each year.
Field sizes are a factor in this, particularly in ‘big’ races like the Grand National, where 40 horses race long distances over punishing obstacles, at speed.
I don’t bet on or watch races over fences, my personal stance on the issue, but I know my small protest will not affect the industry one iota.
So should it (jump racing) be banned?
The humanitarian position is clearly ‘yes’, but the political implications of arguing to ban a practice that is enjoyed by millions and generates a lot of money, are obvious.
Liberals are well known for tackling controversial issues head on. Those I have outlined here should be debated as part of a Lib Dem policy on animal welfare in sport.
* David Warren is a lifetime political activist for progressive causes and a liberal.