Scientists hope their findings will be taken into consideration when debating the ethics of horse racing
In the first study of its kind, scientists have discovered that horses feel pain in much the same way as humans – particularly when they are whipped during a race.
Researchers believe their findings should be taken into consideration when debating the ethics of whipping horses.
As part of the study, scientists took skin samples from 10 humans and 20 thoroughbred-type horses. The skin samples were put under the microscope to ascertain the differences in skin type, structure and nerve supply.
In the horses, scientists focussed on the area of the skin on the rump of a horse, as it is the area most commonly whipped during a race.
Scientists compared the horse and human epidermis – the outer layer of skin that detects pain – and found “no significant difference between humans and horses in either the concentration of nerve endings – or in the thickness of this layer.”
Horse racing at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. (Photo: Getty)Researchers added that, while horse skin is generally thicker, this does not greater protection from pain.
These findings disprove the notion that horses have a ‘thick skin’ better-placed to absorb shock and pain.
Professor Paul McGreevy from the University of Sydney, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation:
“We were interested in the thickness of the skin’s base layer, which is called the dermis, and also the outer layer, called the epidermis – and what’s important is what lies between those two areas and that’s where the nerve endings are found.”
Scientists behind the study believe their research should be taken into account when considering the ethics of horse racing.
The study concludes: “This finding challenges assumptions about the physical capacity of horses to feel pain particularly in comparison to humans, and presents physical evidence to inform the discussion and debate regarding the ethics of whipping horses.”
