Ban horse racing in the UK and fund transition to lifelong horse welfare safely.

Open for signatures 243 signatures

What the petition asks

Pass legislation to prohibit horse racing in the UK, end the commercial use of horses for racing, and create a funded transition plan for horses bred for or leaving racing, including retraining, rehoming, sanctuary placement, retirement care, and enforceable welfare protections during the phase-out.

We believe horse racing causes avoidable suffering through overbreeding and wastage, early weaning, the racing and training of physically immature horses, restrictive husbandry, a high prevalence of gastric ulcer disease, and a well-recognised risk of serious and fatal musculoskeletal injury. We believe these harms conflict with modern animal welfare principles, including the Five Domains framework, which requires good nutrition, environment, health, behaviour and mental state in this industry.

Timeline

7 May 2026

Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 243

Status Open for signatures

Department Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Opened 7 May 2026

Follow this petition