Anish Harrison and Nicky Brewer Picture: CLARE HOMER Ref: 76791-14THE plight of racehorses caused less controversy than might have been expected at a town centre demonstration.

While protestors from Swindon Animal Concern stood outside a bookmakers to demonstrate against cruelty in the racing industry, the punters inside remained unperturbed.

One protestor donned a PVC catsuit and dominatrix gear and another wore a full riding outfit to make their point about whipping during races.

They also want to see an end to the Grand National, which they believe is cruel.

Anish Harrison, 25, from Toothill, was a dominatrix for a day.

She said: "More than 300 racehorses die each year in races.

"Animal aid has carried out a study which discovered that the more jockeys whip their horses the less likely they are to win.

Anish, a student at Bath University, said: "Horses are beautiful creatures and to submit them to such humiliating treatment is disgraceful."

Nicky Brewer, 25, a nursery nurse from Stratton, said: "Whipping keeps the horses in control through fear.

"The cruelty involved is dreadful and I don't see why animals should suffer and die for the fun of a sport.

"There are 15,000 foals born into the racing industry each year, and only a third go into racing. The rest are sold as pet food or ground up to feed hunting hounds."

Inside Ladbrokes, in Regent Circus, Mark James, 45, of County Road, said: "Whipping is part of the sport, but the protestors are entitled to their opinion."

Douglas Ayres, 83, of London Street, said: "I think they're right. I'm a punter myself but that doesn't mean to I'm for cruelty."

The event was part of Animal Aid's Horseracing Awareness Week.

Fore more information visit www.animalaid.org.uk