Racing Victoria (RV) is focused on making equine welfare top of mind after a consultation period with industry stakeholders and animal care and protection groups helped shape its 2019 Equine Welfare Strategic Plan.
The plan is a blueprint for translating equine welfare as a strategic priority to practical steps that can be taken across the industry.
The actions are divided into six pillars: governance and standards, population dynamics, racing, post-racing, industry culture and industry reputation.
RV’s aim is to set the standard in equine welfare by building legitimacy, credibility and trust, through; strong governance; knowing the facts; tangible initiatives; shared responsibility; and open and transparent communication.
The strategic plan not only empowers the industry to make fact-based decisions across a horse’s lifespan, but for everyone involved in Victorian thoroughbred racing to champion the cause and become welfare advocates in their own right.
With clear action-based goals across the three year plan, RV is committed to developing world-leading equine welfare practices and ensuring horses are afforded the appropriate care and attention before, during and after their racing life.
To read the equine welfare strategic plan, please visit
racingvictoria.com.au/the-horse/equine-welfare