Petition to Ban the Reemergence of High-Diving Horses
February 15, 2012 in Home by Jillian at Tails
Horse diving became popular in the 1880’s and involved horses and riders leaping or falling from towers as high as 60 feet into a 10-to-12-foot deep pool of water. The terrified horses sometimes dove four times a day and up to seven days a week. Trainers often used prods, electrical jolts, and trap doors to get unwilling horses to dive.
Outraged? Who wouldn’t be? Animal rights activists shut down the act in the 1970’s and recent plans by Atlantic City to revive this horrid “entertainment” have shocked the city and animal lovers everywhere. The owners of the Steel Pier would like to bring back horse-diving as soon as Memorial Day weekend 2012.
In 2010 Gov. Chris Christie revealed plans for an extensive Atlantic City transformation. He stated the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), a state-run agency, would start with reforming the Shore resort’s struggling gaming and entertainment industries. In addition, new plans for a defined tourism district would be developed.
Earlier this month the master plan for tourism in the district was approved by the authority. Other plans include new facades on the Boardwalk, possible development of light, wind and sound entertainment structures and the rebranding of Atlantic Avenue as “the main street” of the district. The Steel Pier is expected to receive a $6 million loan from the CRDA to help pay for the costs of extensive renovations to the pier.
Jennifer Mishler, an animal lover, started a petition on Change.org to combat the comeback of this cruel event and demand Atlantic City officials cancel the plans to bring back horse-diving as a way to increase tourism. Many agree that there are numerous other attractions that have been proposed such as beer gardens, games and rides. Citizens believe the outcry against horse-diving will quickly channel these funds into a tourist attraction that will be more fun, profitable and animal cruelty-free.
A Facebook page has also been set up as part of the on-line campaign called “Horses Don’t Fly in AC”
To view the Change.org petition please go to http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-the-reopening-of-the-cruel-diving-horse-show?utm_medium=email&utm_source=action_alert
hidesertgirl said on February 15, 2012
I am pleased to announce that yesterday the management of the Steel Pier decided to CANCELL THE DIVING HORSE SHOW! Thanks for all the people that signed the petiton. The change.org petition was growing so fast that the counter could not keep up!