Consultation Notice – Code of Practice for Racehorse Welfare

Tasracing is planning to introduce a new Code of Practice for Racehorse Welfare relating to the welfare of racehorses. The proposed Code of Practice will provide guidance to racing industry participants, as well as reassurance to the general public, about the high standards of welfare that apply to racehorses.

This Code of Practice sets out the basic needs that must be met to ensure a racehorse’s physical and psychological wellbeing is assured, with reference to the Five Provisions (Mellor, 20161), irrespective of the husbandry system used, including:

• readily accessible food and water to maintain health and vigour;
• suitable living conditions, including appropriate shelter;
• regular exercise;
• the opportunity to express normal behaviour, including appropriate socialisation;
• routine preventative health care and appropriate husbandry;
• rapid identification and treatment of injury and disease;
• freedom from confusion and conflict in training; and
• a humane end to life.

Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the draft Code of Practice via our Feedback Form.

The full Code Of Practice for Racehorse Welfare document can be read here.