Irish horse owner and trainer John ‘Shark’ Hanlon has rejected claims from animal rights organisation PETA that his decision to bring a horse into a bar was a publicity stunt.
On Monday, Mr Hanlon posted a video on Twitter of himself leading the American Grand National Winning horse ‘Hewick’ into a pub. The seven-year-old was paraded around 'The Pint Depot' pub in Carlow as part of his homecoming after winning over €160,000 for his connections with his victory on US soil.
Today, PETA, which is a not-for-profit organisation that stands for 'People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals,' claimed that Hanlon’s decision to bring Hewick into a pub was a ‘publicity stunt’ that was done for a ‘cheap laugh’.
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PETA’s statement reads: “Horses are not “show and tell” playthings – they are sensitive animals who are easily spooked, and anyone with a scintilla of respect for horses knows that a rowdy, cramped pub without an obvious exit is a stressful and dangerous environment for them.”
“This publicity stunt wasn’t done for Hewick’s benefit – it was done for a cheap laugh.
In a statement issued to the Irish Mirror, Mr. Hanlon reacted to PETA’s claims by saying, “Hewick is a very safe horse. He doesn't buck and kick. We double-checked that everything is alright, and he doesn't hurt himself off anything. Then safely turned him around.”
Hewick has been one of 'Shark's' most high-profile horses since purchasing him for just €850. The seven-year-old staying chaser has now won over €450,000 in prize money and is already being tipped for a crack at next year's Cheltenham Gold Cup.
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