From Merlin Reader, London, UK
There is a big difference between racing herbivores and carnivores. Herbivores usually run fast to flee predators. So horses may be stressed when racing. Dogs enjoy running: when they catch prey, they are often excited. Ultimately, racing and hunting (and pedigree) animals are inbred to varying degrees. Unless they are used as breeding stock, they are usually put down when they can no longer compete (or keep up with a hunt). Aside from the racing debate, overbreeding is cruel, full stop (20 May, p 27).
