The welfare of the canine and equine athletes is at the forefront of every activity in the racing community. At Racing and Wagering Western Australia, we are committed to quality care for animals throughout their lives.
There are a range of resources available to support the racing sector and keep everyone up to date with policies, programs and initiatives.
For further information visit weareanimalpeople.com.au or contact animalwelfare@rwwa.com.au
Policies and guidelines
Racing is subject to strict governance and integrity measures across the state. There is a dedicated team working to safeguard the wellbeing of the equine and canine athletes of this sport.
Equine
Greyhound
Enforcement of rules
Stewards
Stewards are the police of the racing sector and have the power to strictly enforce the Rules of Racing, both on and off the track. Stewards’ powers as prescribed within the RWWA Act 2003, are more extensive than those provided to the police, and include the power to compel people to give evidence, admit entry and answer questions.
For further information, visit the Racing Integrity division.
Health and welfare support
The racing community actively strives to limit the risk of any injury to racing animals – an outcome everyone wishes to avoid.
In the event a racing animal does sustain an injury, there are multiple support schemes in place to ensure the animals receive the appropriate care. This includes financial support provided to the owner/trainer to assist with veterinarian costs.
Available initiatives include:
Greyhound Injury Surgery Rebate
Under the Greyhound Surgery Rebate, if a greyhound sustains an injury on the track and meets the eligibility requirements, RWWA will offer a financial contribution to the trainer and owner for costs of veterinary treatment and rehabilitation.
Greyhound Injury Full Recovery Scheme
Through the scheme, a trainer/owner may transfer custody of a greyhound to RWWA in the event of serious injury and the cost of both veterinary treatment and post-operative care is paid through greyhound racing funding.
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Rebate
Under the Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Rebate, RWWA refunds up to half the cost for owners using advanced imaging to monitor health and soundness of racehorses.
To be eligible, the imaging must be recommended by a vet and the horse must be registered as active or spelling within the relevant national racing database and based in Western Australia for at least three months before applying for the rebate.
Advanced Imaging Rebate Policy
For further information on the health and welfare support options, please contact animalwelfare@rwwa.com.au
Collaboration
The Murdoch University partnership for health scans
An advanced veterinary imaging centre at Murdoch University will help Western Australian horses stay fit and healthy.
RWWA has partnered with The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University (TAHMU) to bring standing CT and MRI to the horse community, including subsidised scans for thoroughbred and standardbred racehorses.
The equine-specific CT was chosen as it provides the highest quality images, best scanning flexibility and has dedicated support services available across Australia.
For more information please contact animalwelfare@rwwa.com.au
Thoroughbred Aftercare Welfare Working Group – Report
RWWA — the State-appointed regulator of racing — welcomes a report examining thoroughbred horse welfare across Australia.
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Welfare Working Group’s (TAWWG) report, an industry group including breeders, trainers, jockeys, and owners, consulted industry and other stakeholders about the effectiveness of welfare arrangements.
It made several recommendations related to national standards for thoroughbred horse welfare.
Horse standards and guidelines – The Department of Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD)
RWWA has been working with DPIRD on developing standards and guidelines for the health and welfare of all horses – not just thoroughbred horses.
Programs and Initiatives
Greyhounds as Pets WA (GAP)
Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) is our rehoming program which matches retired greyhounds with their forever homes.
The program has dedicated animal behaviourists who use their expertise in canine behaviour to help greyhounds make the adjustment from life as an athlete to life as a pet. A tailored plan is created to suit the needs of each greyhound.
Visit Racing and Wagering Western Australia | Greyhounds as Pets. Information for owners and trainers on preparing a greyhound for pre-assessment and how the process works is at Owners/trainers – Greyhounds as Pets.
Off the Track WA
Off the Track WA (OTTWA) supports thoroughbreds and standardbreds after they leave the care of the racing community.
The Off the Track WA Estate is a multipurpose racehorse welfare facility, which helps to retrain and rehome racehorses through the Off the Track WA Retraining Program. It is also available for emergency welfare cases, with capacity for up to 40 horses at any time
The retraining program includes a network of trainers with the expert knowledge to give retired racehorses the skills and experiences needed to transition from racing to second careers as pleasure or performance horses.
Ongoing education and support are provided through the Off the Track Passport, which gives access to educational clinics and materials and supports a greater understanding of the lives of racehorses after retiring from the track. OTTWA also provides sponsorship for events and a website for all things relating to retired racehorses including informative resources and a free buy and sell platform.
Visit Home – Off The Track WA
