Officials at Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) have announced the launch of a program to prioritise and promote the welfare of Thoroughbreds. The initiative will see the national body and all state breeding associations adopt a set of guidelines as well as the appointment of welfare officers in each state. The guidelines are believed to be the first such protocols adopted by a national breeding body anywhere in the world.
“We already have a very high standard of care for our horses in the breeding industry, but I believe it is important for the TBA to highlight the message that welfare needs to be at the heart of what we do,” commented TBA President Basil Nolan. “We are fortunate that Australia has the second largest breeding industry in the world, but we always need to look to ways to protect our future and I believe this initiative assists in that aim.”
The guidelines include:
· Horses should be provided with appropriate amounts of food and have access to quality drinking water.
· Handling should accommodate the horse's behaviour and should be done in a calm manner.
· Horses should not be forced into positions or situations that cause unnecessary pain, harm or injury and no horse should be abused.
· Horses should not be subjected to submissive techniques that injure or harm.
· Sick and injured horses should be given appropriate care and medical attention in a timely manner in keeping with best practice. Where necessary, veterinary advice should be sought.
TBA chief executive Tom Reilly said: “We consider that experienced people from within the thoroughbred industry, whether they're former farm managers or veterinarians, will want to pass on their experience and advocate on this issue as welfare officers.
He added: “As the peak body in the breeding industry it's important we take a leadership role and make clear the standards that are expected of all participants.”
People with concerns should contact 1300 TBA WELFARE (1300 822 935 3273) if they have any concerns about a Thoroughbred breeding stock.
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