A veterinarian has reportedly been ruled off the grounds of Philadelphia Park for allegedly shooting a filly to euthanize her, Daily Racing Form reported June 16.
The paper said the Pennsylvania Racing Commission is investigating the incident, in which the 4-year-old filly Rich and Mean was allegedly shot in her stall two weeks ago. The Racing Form identified the veterinarian as Dr. Thomas J. Lurito.
The filly was trained by Ralph Riviezzo, who told Daily Racing Form, "I didn't know how they were going to euthanize her. I was away. I got a phone call the next day that said that they put her down that way. One might argue how humane that is, but I will not get into that argument."
Normally, horses at the racetrack are given a sedative and then a dose of barbiturate that causes them to suffer cardiac arrest.
