Minimum Standards and Guidelines of Equine Welfare
Racing NSW continues to review and monitor its Equine Welfare Program to ensure that thoroughbreds that have been domiciled in NSW for the majority of their lives are cared for having regard to appropriate horse welfare standards. As part of this review, Racing NSW has released Minimum Standards and Guidelines of Equine Welfare, which contains compulsory Minimum Standards and also ‘best practice’ Guidelines.
The Minimum Standards detail the minimum standards required for the care of thoroughbred horses in the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry and must be complied with by “persons in charge” of horses in the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry. These include minimum requirements in respect of the following:
- provision of appropriate nutrition and water
- freedom of movement and exercise
- provision of appropriate accommodation
- protection from disease
- identification and treatment of injury and disease.
- sales, auctions and re-homing
- euthanasia and death
In addition to the Minimum Standards, the Guidelines set out a number of best practices principles that are encouraged in the industry in respect of horse welfare.
The Minimum Standards and Guidelines are to be read in conjunction with NSW Local Rule 114 which outlines Equine Welfare requirements for the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry and can be found at - Minimum Standards & Guidelines of Equine Welfare
