Kraig Kulikowski, DVM - Equine Veterinarian

Dr. Kulikowski testified at the Public Hearing on the Welfare of Racehorses in New York State before the Senate Standing Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering and the Senate Standing Committee on Domestic Animal Welfare on Wednesday, June 5, 2019. Dr. Kulikowski, a graduate of Tufts University Veterinary School, learned from his racetrack internship that he did not want to be a racetrack veterinarian. Why would a veterinarian abdicate their knowledge and skills to trainers? Trainers, who control many horses, offer veterinary practice substantial income. One trainer can represent hundreds of thousands of dollars of revenue. The quality of racetrack medicine was not the only reason that Dr. Kulikowski decided not make a career as a racetrack veterinarian. He objected to 2- and 3-year-old horses, immature juveniles, being raced. This leads to lifelong medical and mental issues.