"Bin the races, TV and radio. Enjoy the Melbourne Cup as a classy individual should, with good mates and a drink in hand. A dollar from every drink sold will be donated to Horse Rescue Australia," another event in Newcastle says.
"People are certainly waking up to the truth behind this industry," CRP spokeswoman Kristin Leigh told AAP.
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She and hundreds of other people gathered at the traditional Melbourne Cup parade on Monday to protest against the treatment of former racehorses.
Standing in the rain, they chanted "blood on your hands", "animal abusers total losers" and "say nup to the cup" as the procession of trainers, owners and jockeys made their way down Swanston Street to Federation Square.
Ms Leigh said the group had been inundated with support since the ABC's 7.30 program broadcast harrowing footage of racehorses being sent to the slaughterhouse last month.
The footage showed some horses being hit, kicked, whipped and screamed at by abattoir workers before they were destroyed.
The vision was so disturbing, it even prompted a response from one of the biggest names in racing, Hall of Fame trainer Lee Freedman.
"People can't say they don't know anymore," Ms Leigh said.
"If you're going to the races this year and you saw 7.30 you are complicit in that animal abuse."
Horse trainer Fiona McIntyre, who rode a retired racehorse at the parade on Monday, said the footage was horrific.
"I think it's revolting, the abattoirs need to clean up their acts," she said.
On social media, the hashtag #NupToTheCup is already picking up steam.
