California governor moves to close racetrack after 30 horses die in six months

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed legislation Wednesday that clears the way to suspend horse racing at a track where 30 horses have died in the past six months.

The bill Newsom signed would authorize the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) to suspend race meet licenses in cases where it is deemed necessary to protect horses or riders’ health and safety.

{mosads}“I applaud the Legislature for taking action to expand the authority of the CHRB to cancel or move race meets when animal and human safety are at risk,” Newsom said in a statement.

“This problem demands deeper partnership between the CHRB and track officials. I call on race tracks around the state to hold themselves to the higher screening standards recently adopted at Santa Anita. This model can save horses’ lives,” he added.

The 30th horse this season at Santa Anita Park was euthanized last weekend after a leg injury sustained while exercising.

Newsom has also appointed Gregory Ferraro, the former director of the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine Center for Equine Health, to the CHRB, according to ESPN.

The current makeup of the CHRB is predominantly those affiliated with the sport or real estate developers. Ferraro will be the only member with a veterinary background.

California’s racing season ended Sunday and will resume in December. Asked about the CHRB’s plans to implement the new regulations, spokesperson Mike Marten told The Associated Press that the “chairman will determine when and if it becomes necessary to call an emergency meeting of the Board for this purpose.”