In a disturbing turn of events, customs agents in Cincinnati recently intercepted a package containing venom from snakes, spiders, and scorpions. According to 15News, the timing raises serious concerns, with the Kentucky Derby just days away. Officials suspect the package was headed for horse trainers; potentially for use in illegal performance-enhancing substances.
United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered numerous packages containing bottles of “tiger blood” as well as some with scorpions and spiders on the side. The bottles originated from Mexico and had been heading to horse tracks.
This incident highlights the dark side of the horse racing industry, where unethical individuals may resort to dangerous and cruel methods to give their horses an edge. Using animal venom on horses is not only ineffective but also incredibly dangerous. These venoms can cause serious health problems, pain, and even death.
The drugs are used to numb the pain and help the horses reach higher speeds; remember the amount of money involved in these races is astronomical. The shipment included injectable cobra venom, Spidermorph, Scorpionadrenalin, TB-1000, Anabolic steroids, unknown vitamin compounds, Ritalin and Ketamine.
These different herbs, medicines, snake and spider venoms might reduce muscle soreness or lactic acid. Horses will get ulcers that are painful that might come up from nerves. Their trainers look for things to help reduce the pain to make them feel better, described Bridget Brandon, a horse breeder, who added to Local 12 News reporting.
As these drugs mask the symptoms, the horses may then suffer even more serious injuries. Snake venoms and other high performance drugs have been under investigation for years and have led to indictments against trainers with their horses being disqualified.
News reporting
In 2021, Medina Spirit, the winner of the Kentucky Derby was disqualified from his win, and his trainer Bob Baffert was suspended by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Medina Spirit failed a drug test after finishing the Kentucky Derby and died in December after working five furlongs at the Santa Anita Park racetrack in Southern California.
Baffert denied any wrongdoing and stated he was not aware Medina Spirit had been treated with betamethasone, which when injected into the joints can provide relief for horses by decreasing inflammation. The problem is – the substance can just mask the injuries placing the horse in further danger. While it is legal as a therapeutic aid, it is illegal when found in the blood on race day, because its is considered a possible performance enhancer.
Pet Rescue Report strongly condemns any practice that puts animals at risk. Horses are sentient beings deserving of respect and humane treatment. We urge anyone with information about animal cruelty in horse racing to contact the authorities.
By shedding light on this issue, Pet Rescue Report can help protect horses from these dangerous and unethical practices.
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