"I've seen some unbelievable stuff," he said about the turnaround in the lives of the inmates. So far, he says, no one who has gone through the program has returned to gaol.
About 100 horses go through the program each year and according to Lei Sam, there's a great demand for it. However, there are " many owners and trainers who already have future plans for their horses once retired…"
It is a point of contention with animal welfare groups who say the industry is not doing enough to save the lives of retired or working horses.
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A disturbing video posted on CPR's website in 2012 taken at the Victorian Laverton Knackery during Cup Week, showed horrifying treatment of horses. The animals were shot in front of one another with one horse dragged across gravel still alive after its throat was slit.
For Ward Young, watching it all has profoundly changed him.
"It stained my psyche and I could not in good conscience turn away and let it continue."
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