B. Discussion of the Issue and Problem
What specific problems or concerns are involved in this issue?
The last couple of years dogs have been allowed in the stable area and because of one incident the rule was changed and I feel it is unfair to the responsible owners
Who does the issue affect?
It affects the backstretch workers that were allowed to have their dogs and became accustomed to it because now the dogs need to be left at home which causes the workers to rush through their job in order to care for their dog. It also affects the horses specifically that are nervous, stall walkers....some dogs are very similar to goats that calm the horse in the stall and stops weaving and stall walking and cribbing.
What existing HRA rules relate to this issue?
"A person violates the rules who permits a dog to enter the stable area during a race meeting"
C. Possible Solutions and Impact
What solution does this proposal provide?
Changing the rule back to allowing dogs will benefit the horses ultimately, the grooms, trainers etc will not be rushed to leave which allows for better care for the horses.
How will the solution fix the problem?
Allowing dogs will make for better atmosphere on the backside, better and happier horses.
How will the change affect any entities or stakeholders?
Vets and farriers will benefit because grooms and trainers will be able to wait for them well into the afternoons, owners will be happier enjoying their horses along with the barn dog.
How will you or your organization be affected by the proposed change?
What are the benefits of the proposed change?
Happier and more relaxed horses, backstretch workers, vets, farriers, owners
What are the possible drawbacks of the proposed change?
There is the possibility of some unacceptable dogs being allowed
D. Please identify any affected stakeholder groups that expressed support or opposition.
(These stakeholders may include the racetracks, breed registries, owners, trainers, jockeys, veterinarians, or others.)
For those stakeholder groups that have expressed an opinion, please list the points on which they agree or disagree, and the arguments they have expressed.
The stakeholders that I have personally spoke with are owners, trainers, vets and farriers. They all agree that going back to the rule of allowing dogs only benefits the backside and they don't see any harm in it.
Are there any affected stakeholder groups that have not been consulted on this proposal?
Please attach any formal letters of support or opposition by stakeholder groups. Files must be .pdf, .doc, .docx, or .txt format and under 3072k for the system to accept the submission. You can add a maximum of 3 attachments.
E. Attach the rule language you are proposing. Please show new language in a new paragraph below the current wording. If you are proposing that current rule language be eliminated, please indicate the text to be deleted with [delete: sample deleted copy]
"A person violates the rules who permits a dog to enter the stable area during a race meeting"
Replace wording with...Dogs are allowed in the stable area during a race meeting
F. Do any racing jurisdictions currently have a version of this rule in effect? If yes, please attach copies of those rules.
Santa Anita allows dogs on the backside and frontside during training. I could not find the specific rule but I am working on finding it.
G. Review the Rules Governing Horse Racing in Alberta and identify any other Rules this change would affect and submit proposed amendments to those rules to comply with changes that would be made by this proposal.
I don't see any other rules this change would affect.
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