B. Discussion of the Issue and Problem
What specific problems or concerns are involved in this issue?
The welfare of racehorses requires a balance between the sporting demands of racing and the ethical responsibility to care for these animals. While there has been progress in addressing the health and safety of racehorses, ongoing efforts are essential to ensure their well-being throughout their lives, both on and off the track.
Currently there are no specific rules that apply specifically to the welfare of the racehorses.
Who does the issue affect?
All racetracks, owners, trainers, and support staff.
What existing HRA rules relate to this issue?
No current rule
C. Possible Solutions and Impact
What solution does this proposal provide?
Proposing a rule that specifically speaks to the health, safety, and welfare of race horses.
How will the solution fix the problem?
A rule will give regulatory authority to deal with these cases in a more impactful way.
How will the change affect any entities or stakeholders?
It should only be better for all including the image of horse racing.
How will you or your organization be affected by the proposed change?
What are the benefits of the proposed change?
This rule establishes a prohibition against abusive practices, neglect, and mistreatment of racehorses that are not otherwise covered by the rules. The rule is vitally necessary to protect the safety and well-being of racehorses. This rule incorporates existing industry principles and standards as codified in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance Code of Standards and the Association of Racing Commissioners International Model Rules
What are the possible drawbacks of the proposed change?
None
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.
HBPA Alberta, CTHS Alberta, and ASHA have expressed support.
Are there any affected stakeholder groups that have not been consulted on this proposal?
No
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]
Rule proposed:
g Health, Safety, and Welfare of Racehorses
(1) No licensees acting alone or in concert with another person shall compromise the welfare of a racehorse for competitive or commercial reasons or subject or permit any racehorse under their control, custody or supervision to be subjected to or to incur the following:
(a) any form of cruelty, mistreatment, neglect, or abuse;
(b) abandonment, injury, maiming, or killing (except for euthanasia for humane reasons and in a manner consistent with the current version of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals);
(c) administration of any noxious substance; or
(d) deprivation of necessary care, sustenance, shelter, or veterinary care.
Failure to meet the necessity of health and welfare of racehorses:
If the judges/stewards board is satisfied that a racing participant has failed to meet the health and welfare needs of racehorses, the judges/stewards board may;
(a) Assign financial Penalties
(b) Refuse entries to horse races, and/or
(c) Ban or suspend the license of the licensee
F. Do any racing jurisdictions currently have a version of this rule in effect? If yes, please attach copies of those rules.
HISA
No Covered Person acting alone or in concert with another person shall compromise the welfare of a Covered Horse for competitive or commercial reasons, or subject or permit any Covered Horse under their control, custody or supervision to be subjected to or to incur the following:
Anonymous Reporting Platforms
Any form of cruelty, mistreatment, neglect or abuse;
Administration of any noxious substance; or
Deprivation of necessary care, sustenance, shelter or veterinary care.
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.
None
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