National
Protesters use inspiration from popular TV show Squid Game to denounce the Melbourne Cup
Protesters have taken inspiration from a popular Netflix thriller series as they take a stand against the annual Melbourne Cup on the eve of the event.
Members from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) have put on a ‘Squid Game’ themed display outside the gates of Flemington Racecourse today.
PETA’s Mimi Bekhechi said the demonstration was trying to draw a link between the plot of the Squid Game series and the way horses were treated in the horse-racing industry.
READ MORE: Ultimate Guide to the 2021 Melbourne Cup
“In Squid Game, the participants’ lives are gambled on, but at least they get to choose whether they want to play or not,” she said.
“Horses used in the Melbourne Cup are forced to race, whipped to the finish line, and discarded when no longer profitable.”
READ MORE: How ‘Squid Game’ is earning Netflix billions
Eight horses have died following the Melbourne Cup event in the past nine years.
Last year Anthony Van Dyck was putdown after fracturing his fetlock during the race.
