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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Oisin Doherty

John ‘Shark’ Hanlon responds to PETA ‘Publicity Stunt’ statement

Irish horse owner and trainer John ‘Shark’ Hanlon has rejected claims from animal rights organisation PETA that his decision to bring a horse into a bar was a publicity stunt.

On Monday, Mr Hanlon posted a video on Twitter of himself leading the American Grand National Winning horse ‘Hewick’ into a pub. The seven-year-old was paraded around 'The Pint Depot' pub in Carlow as part of his homecoming after winning over €160,000 for his connections with his victory on US soil.

Today, PETA, which is a not-for-profit organisation that stands for 'People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals,' claimed that Hanlon’s decision to bring Hewick into a pub was a ‘publicity stunt’ that was done for a ‘cheap laugh’.

READ MORE: Jockey Kevin Manning announces retirement after 40 years in the saddle

PETA’s statement reads: “Horses are not “show and tell” playthings – they are sensitive animals who are easily spooked, and anyone with a scintilla of respect for horses knows that a rowdy, cramped pub without an obvious exit is a stressful and dangerous environment for them.”

“This publicity stunt wasn’t done for Hewick’s benefit – it was done for a cheap laugh.

In a statement issued to the Irish Mirror, Mr. Hanlon reacted to PETA’s claims by saying, “Hewick is a very safe horse. He doesn't buck and kick. We double-checked that everything is alright, and he doesn't hurt himself off anything. Then safely turned him around.”

Hewick has been one of 'Shark's' most high-profile horses since purchasing him for just €850. The seven-year-old staying chaser has now won over €450,000 in prize money and is already being tipped for a crack at next year's Cheltenham Gold Cup.

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