Tasracing awards funding under inaugural Racing Animal Welfare Grant (RAWG) program

Monday 22 July 2024

Tasracing has awarded more than $80,000 in grants to Tasmanian organisations to deliver animal welfare programs in the state.

The grants were awarded under the new Racing Animal Welfare Grant (RAWG) program that was established to provide funding for eligible Tasmanian organisations to deliver animal welfare programs in Tasmania.

The successful applications align with the Tasracing priorities to support the welfare of:

  • Tasmanian racing animals.
  • Animals transitioning from racing into new careers and homes.

A panel of three assessors evaluated eligible applications, with 11 successful grant applicants awarded combined total funding of $80,141 as follows:

  • Two (2) grants, totalling $10,000, were approved in the category for Initiatives & Events. This covers initiatives that contribute towards high-quality welfare outcomes for retired racing animals.
  • Nine (9) grants, totalling $70,141, were approved in the category for Facilities & Equipment. This covers facilities and equipment that have a direct impact on the welfare of retired racing animals.

The inaugural RAWG program underlines Tasracing’s commitment to racing animal welfare by:

Actively promoting awareness of appropriate retirement options for Tasmanian racing animals.

Stimulating demand for retired Tasmanian racing animals to maximise rehoming and retraining opportunities.

Maximising end-of-racing career opportunities for Tasmanian racing animals.

Promoting industry uptake in Tasmania of advances in racing animal training, health and welfare.