Trash Talkin Larry and other horses break out of the starting gate at the start of the 3-5 year old Maiden Special Weight race during the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico in Baltimore. May 21, 2022. (Vincent Alban, Baltimore Sun)

DEAR JOAN: Every Fourth of July for the past 10 years, I have been meeting a group of friends at the Pleasanton racetrack. We usually spend about $20 each, not including beer and corndogs, and generally have a fun time watching and betting on the races.

I am having second thoughts about it now because of the recent publicity about horse deaths, drugging, and other things.  I think I naively thought the horses liked to run.

Should I avoid the races now for humane reasons?

— Cindy Artinyan, Pleasanton

DEAR CINDY: Horse racing and the treatment of the horses has become a hotly debated topic in recent years. Detractors have questioned whether the animals are treated humanely, as well as the ethics of using animals for entertainment purposes. There are documented cases of abuse and drugging, but certainly many horses are well treated and cared for.

Horses are born with fully myelinated motor neurons, allowing them to stand, walk and run within hours of birth. In the wild, horses often gallop across the plains and being social animals, they often run in groups.

The question of whether they enjoy the run is hard to say. Animal biologists and neurologists say there’s not much evidence of abstract thinking in horses. In other words, their physical makeup encourages them to run, but unlike human runners, they aren’t thinking about winning or competing.

Others dispute that theory, saying horses not only love to run, but they enjoy having a “job” to do. There are many anecdotes of horses on the verge of losing pushing themselves to cross the finish line first.

Beyond any mistreatment allegations is the question of whether we should be using other creatures for entertainment purposes. Those concerns have resulted in most circuses pulling animals from their rings and other animal entertainment groups questioning whether they should do the same.

In the end, it’s a question you have to answer for yourself. If you don’t believe, knowing what you know about horse racing, that you would enjoy another trip to the race track, then find a new tradition for you and your friends. The activity isn’t as important as just being with friends and family.

DEAR JOAN: Years ago, it was not uncommon to see ants marching along the sidewalks, around homes and on occasion invading the homes — and the garden had snails everywhere.

Today, only occasionally do I see ants or snails. Not complaining; just curious. Could it be because we now have an abundance of lizards?

— Claire, San Jose

DEAR CLAIRE: If you’re looking for your missing ants and snails, I think I might have them.

I suspect you have ants and snails at your home, but lizards might be keeping the pests in check.