A top prosecutor in Los Angeles County, District Attorney Jackie Lacey, has formed a task force to investigate 23 horse deaths at Santa Anita Park, which occurred between December 2018 and March 2019. It has been a tragic couple of months at the Californian track, with an unprecedented number of deaths in such a short space of time.

Earlier in the week, Lacey said the task force of prosecutors and peace officers will "determine whether unlawful conduct or conditions affected the welfare and safety" of the horses.

Lacey's office had previously said its investigators would work with the California Horse Racing Board as that body looks into the deaths.

Santa Anita says it's cooperating and "is fully committed to modernising our sport in a way that prioritises the welfare and safety of horses above all."

Kathy Guillermo, senior vice president for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), lauded the announcement, adding: "The racing industry has shown that it's incapable of policing itself."

Santa Anita in the news:

3 April Santa Anita Racetrack rocked by a 23rd equine death

19 March Santa Anita reopening soon

15 March Another horse dies at Santa Anita racetrack a day after it reopens

6 March Santa Anita Park horse deaths out of control

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