The End of Life welfare program is an extension of Racing NSW’s existing equine welfare program
© Peter W
Racing NSW has established an End of Life Welfare Program to ensure that every NSW Thoroughbred horse has access to a free humane euthanasia service throughout its life in circumstances where a vet has certified that it is in the horse’s best interest and necessary on welfare or safety grounds.
Racing NSW Chairman Russell Balding AO, in announcing the initiative, emphasised that: “This End Of Life Welfare Program reiterates Racing NSW’s position that under no circumstances should a NSW Thoroughbred horse ever be sent to an abattoir or knackery.”
Mr Balding AO also added: “The vast majority of Thoroughbred owners both within and outside the racing industry ensure that their horses have the best possible welfare during and at the end of their lives. However, there is a cost involved in euthanising a horse which may have been a deterrent for owners to act in the best interests of the horse’s welfare. Accordingly, the End of Life Welfare Program removes the cost associated with euthanising a NSW Thoroughbred horse, further protecting the welfare of the horse right up until the end of its life.”
Euthanasia under the End of Life Welfare Program is only permitted where a Racing NSW licensed veterinarian has certified that it is necessary on genuine welfare or safety reasons in the best interests of the horse. As part of this free service to the owners of the horse, Racing NSW will also appropriately attend to the burial or cremation of the horse.
This End of Life Welfare Program applies to all Thoroughbred horses that have been predominately domiciled in NSW irrespective of age or when they retired from racing. Importantly, this captures horses after they have exited the racing industry who are in the ownership of members of the public as equestrian horses, paddock mates or trail riders for example.
Further information can be found on the Racing NSW website.
READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE
