NSPCA Launches ‘Rein in the Pain’ Campaign to Tackle Cruelty in South African Horse Racing

The Durban July may be South Africa’s most glamorous race day, but behind the fashion
and fanfare lies a stark reality for the horses at the heart of it all. This year, the National
Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) used the event as a springboard to launch “Rein in the Pain”, a
bold national campaign to raise awareness about the suffering racehorses endure in the
name of sport and spectacle.

While recognising that horse racing is a long-standing tradition for many, the NSPCA is
calling for urgent reforms to protect the welfare of the horses involved, particularly those on
the racing circuit, who fall under the care of the National Horse Racing Authority (NHRA).

“We understand the legacy tied to this sport,” says Jacques Peacock, Communications
Manager at the NSPCA. “But tradition cannot be used to excuse ongoing cruelty. These
magnificent animals are being silenced by a system that too often places profit above their
welfare. Window-dressing measures and paltry fines may create the illusion of progress, but
they do little to drive meaningful change or hold the industry genuinely accountable.”

Actress and activist Nirvana Nokwe helped launch the campaign in unforgettable fashion at
the Durban July, donning a thought-provoking art piece designed to challenge perceptions
and spark conversation.

Her red-carpet look served as a haunting tribute to racehorses discarded after injury or poor
performance, and her outfit was nothing less than a show-stopping performance.

“This isn’t just about what happens on race day,” Nokwe shared. “It’s about what we don’t
see, the tongue-ties, the severe whippings at lesser-known events, the broken bones,
strained ligaments, and the bleeding lungs. Fashion can make a statement, and this one
says: It’s time to change.”

The campaign highlights the often-ignored realities of horse racing, which include:

The NSPCA remains opposed to the use of animals in all sporting disciplines. However, in
the interest of reducing cruelty and promoting immediate change, it has launched the
NSPCA’s proposed amendments to the Rules of the National Horseracing Authority (NHRA).

The NSPCA’s proposed amendments to the Rules of the National Horseracing Authority
(NHRA) set out clear, practical reforms designed to prevent the cruelty often experienced by
horses on the racing circuit.

The NSPCA is calling on all industry stakeholders, including horse owners, trainers, jockeys,
breeders, and racing associations, to commit to:

“These proposed amendments to the Rules of the National Horseracing Authority (NHRA)
are a work in progress, and we invite industry stakeholders to engage with us, collaborate,
and help shape a more compassionate future for horse racing,” says Peacock.

The NSPCA is urging all South Africans to stand with them by signing the petition at

nspca.co.za/ReinInThePain. Public support is vital to show the industry that South Africans
demand real change and expect better protection for the animals who make this sport
possible.

“Our goal is simple,” says Peacock. “We want racing stakeholders to acknowledge the
cruelty and commit to ending it. With enough public support, we can shift the culture of
racing in South Africa towards accountability, compassion, and real reform.”

The glamour and spotlight may fade after race day, but the suffering continues long after. It’s
time we rein in the pain together and take a stand to stop cruelty.

For more information on the campaign, follow the NSPCA’s social media channels or visit

Instagram: @nspca.rsa
X/Twitter: @NSPCA_SA
Facebook: @NSPCA – National Council of SPCAs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nspcasouthafrica/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nspca_rsa

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