The Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) has called for the independent regulation of the breeding and sales industry, citing the use of bisphosphonates in sales horses that may result in improper bone development.
“These significant portions of the racing industry are totally unregulated,” said ARCI Chair Jeff Colliton. “If we care about our horses and the integrity of the sport, the racing industry can no longer turn a blind eye to the need to address this shortcoming.”
The ARCI Equine Welfare Committee, chaired by Dr. Corrine Sweeney, met via conference call Nov. 7, 2017 to discuss the use of bisphosphonates on horses that race or are intended to race. Committee members expressed their concerns about the use of drugs in young horses and noted research that shows that the bones of horses treated with bisphosphonates may falsely appear to be fully developed when subjected to a radiograph prior to entering the sales ring.
“It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the profit motive for the seller. But this should never be allowed overrule the concerns about the welfare of the horse,” said ARCI President Ed Martin.
Colliton cited a high-profile federal investigation that revealed that the Mexican drug cartel was utilizing Quarter Horse sales to launder drug money as another reason why the breeding and sales sectors needed to be subject to further regulation.
The use of “front” owners and corporations is outlined in the book Bloodlines: The True Story of a Drug Cartel, the FBI, and the Battle for a Horse-Racing Dynasty by Melissa Del Bosque.
“Equine breakdowns and activities relating to organized crime are damaging to the public image and acceptability of this sport,” Martin said.
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