By Ariana Huemer

Every summer, the town of Omak, Washington, bears witness to a deadly, nighttime ritual: the Omak Suicide Race for horses. In one race last year, three horses died; two were euthanized on the spot after a stumble on the mountainside left them injured, and the third collapsed in the spectator arena at the end of the race.

Growing protests about the cruelty to the horses who run the race, and increased concern over the ethics of the event, have prompted several major corporations, including Wal-Mart and Diageo PLC (the maker of Crown Royal whiskey, Captain Morgan rum, and Smirnoff vodka), to withdraw longtime sponsorship this year. Despite this, the Omak Suicide Race will go forward as usual, putting the lives of the horses in harm's way. Since 1983, 21 horse deaths have been documented.

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