The Thoroughbred Aftercare Welfare Working Group (TAWWG) report has beenwelcomed by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA).

The report, The Most Important Participant , was independently compiled bythe working group members and received over 180 individual submissions, withmembers also holding consultation meetings with more than 50 organisations andpeople.

Dr. Warwick Vale, President AVA, said based on research documented in thereport, the ongoing success of the racing industry is dependent upon thecommunity having confidence in the welfare of all of its horses.

“The report notes that 29 per cent of people who are unsupportive of racingwould change their position if they had confidence that welfare of the horseswas managed effectively.”

Included in the report are recommendations directed at supporting theaftercare challenges facing the thoroughbred and racing industries.

“As an equine veterinarian dealing with sport horses, I have seen the enormousvalue that thoroughbreds bring to horse owners in a wide range of disciplinesafter they finish racing. Key to their success, documented in the report, isbest practice foundation training, care when racing and retraining afterracing. Establishing a framework to ensure that this occurs is a key industryresponsibility that the AVA supports.”

Dr. Vale said the report shows that there is a lack of State and FederalGovernment regulatory framework surrounding horse welfare.

“The AVA endorses the recent efforts to establish minimal welfare standards,transport standards, traceability, and standards for processing horses. Theseare present for other livestock, but not horses. Veterinarians look forward toworking with State and Federal ministers to further advance this work.”

Tagged: ava, race horse, TAWWG

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