‘Cruel, barbaric and outdated’: Brisbane activists target Melbourne Cup event

Animal activists have raged against the Melbourne Cup, erupting in chants of “cruel, barbaric and outdated” outside a Brisbane racecourse.

Queensland animal activists have staged their own protest against the Melbourne Cup, erupting in chants of “cruel, barbaric and outdated” outside a Brisbane racecourse before the event.

The protest comes just a day after members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) launched a bloody protest outside Flemington Racecourse, where the Cup is being hosted this year.

On Tuesday, the Brisbane protesters set up outside the Doomben racecourse blaring chants of “cruel, barbaric and outdated”.

Protesters swarmed outside the Doomben Racecourse for 2020 Melbourne Cup Day, protesting against the event. Picture: Richard Walker

The group carried signs saying “horse racing kills” and “you bet, they die” as people lined up to get inside the gate.

Police did not intervene.

Protesters at Doomben Racecourse for 2020 Melbourne Cup Day. Picture: Richard Walker

The demonstration was toned down compared to PETA’s activism, with demonstrators brandishing whips and starter guns shooting blood into the air.

A PETA spokesman said the group had joined with the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) and the protest was “aimed at protecting racehorses” that are subjected to “severe abuse and even death” while racing.

PETA joined forces with the CPR to protest against the Melbourne Cup. Picture: PETA

A group of protesters wearing geometric horse masks stood outside the gates of Flemington Racecourse carrying signs reading "Nup to the Cup" and "You Bet – They Die", cracking whips and shooting blood-red smoke into the sky.

The group dispersed after being asked to leave when the Victoria Racing Club phoned police.

The protesters departed Victoria Racing Club without issue on Monday after police were called. Picture: PETA

Both protests are part of a rising tide of community outrage against racing events, following recent controversies in the industry.

Last week, Racing NSW supremo Peter V’landys said he would continue to lobby the state government after footage of former racehorses being slaughtered at a knackery was leaked by activists.

In 2017, Racing NSW introduced a law making it an offence for a licensed owner or trainer to send racehorses, even if retired, to a knackery or to a saleyard where it could then be sold to a knackery.