No Evidence of Animal Cruelty in Horses' Deaths

California prosecutors say they found no evidence of animal cruelty or other crimes in their investigation into the deaths of 49 horses over a 12-month period at Santa Anita Park racetrack.

The investigators said the death rate was higher than the national average but lower than has been seen in some years in the past decade. The panel made recommendations for improved safety in California horse racing. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals was critical of the report and demanded that racing be suspended until safety measures are introduced nationwide.