New federal data released in March 2025 shows that horse racing fatalities have dropped by 55% since 2009, marking the lowest fatality rate in 16 years of tracking. The official numbers indicate progress in reducing deaths in the horse racing industry, with a fatal injury rate of 1.11 per 1,000 starts in 2024. However, critics argue that these statistics are incomplete, as hundreds of horses continue to die at American tracks each year with many more deaths going uncounted at private training facilities.

Welfare advocates point out that while industry-regulated tracks have seen a decline in fatalities, there is a stark disparity between federal and state-level oversight. States like Louisiana, Texas, and West Virginia, among others, operate under state regulations and have reported higher fatality rates compared to HISA-regulated tracks. The industry faces scrutiny not only for on-track deaths but also for what happens to horses after their racing careers end, with an estimated 20,000 American horses slaughtered annually for consumption. Despite efforts to improve safety and reduce deaths, advocates argue that any level of horse fatalities remains a fundamental problem within the industry.