PETA Calls for '3 Strikes Rule' After Latest Horse Death

Yet another horse has died at Santa Anita Park, adding more fuel to the fire on why the racetrack in Arcadia, Calif., is still running. Per FOX 5, GQ Covergirl, said to be a 5- or 6-year-old mare, hurt both front legs during training Friday, and the veterinarian on the scene said euthanizing the horse would be the best bet. This is the 35th horse death at the park since December. As for the human element, KABC reports Amir Cedeno is "physically OK but emotionally bruised" after GQ Covergirl's accident, per a statement from the stable that trained the horse.

"If horse racing ever needed a three strikes rule, it's now," People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says in its own statement, adding the horse's trainer needs to be fully investigated. "When a horse dies, the California Horse Racing Board should suspend the trainer pending a full investigation. It won't bring back the horse, but it might prevent more deaths." ABC News notes the changes that have taken place at the park in the wake of all of the horses that've died, including a law to suspend racing licenses. A necropsy will be performed on GQ Covergirl, as mandated by rules on the death of horses who die while on the track. (More horse racing stories.)