As if Peta were interested in anything more then another publicity stunt on the dead bones of a horse that had more character then PETA does.


Louisville Courier-Journal (KY)
Prosecutors won't pursue Eight Belles case for PETA
By Gregory A. Hall
June 6, 2008
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080606/SPORTS08/806060534/1002/SPORTS

The Jefferson County Commonwealth's Attorney has turned down a request
that it investigate whether an injection of the anti-inflammatory
phenylbutazone given to Eight Belles before the Kentucky Derby
amounted to animal cruelty.

A statement from Commonwealth's Attorney Dave Stengel's office said
yesterday such investigations aren't the duty of that office.

Eight Belles was euthanized on the track at Churchill Downs after
breaking down just after her second-place finish in the May 3 Kentucky
Derby. The filly broke both front legs about a quarter mile after the
finish as she was pulling up.

The animal welfare group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals,
which requested the investigation, said trainer Larry Jones had
acknowledged that the filly received the drug 27 hours before the
race. Jones said in a telephone interview that the drug, used in
horses as a pain reliever, was administered at that time with security
personnel present who recorded the procedure.

John Veitch, the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority's chief steward, said
that under the state's racing medication rules, the drug can be given
up to 24 hours before the race and there would be nothing improper
about the drug being given 27 hours before the race.

Reporter Gregory A. Hall can be reached at (502) 582-4087