New website supports animal care and wellbeing
Animal welfare is the central focus of a new website announced by Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) today.
Animal Welfare Manager Dr Anna Smet said the website weareanimalpeople.com.au was a declaration of RWWA’s commitment to the care and wellbeing of racing animals throughout their lives.
“The We Are Animal People website is vital to RWWA’s animal welfare campaign and raising awareness of initiatives,” she said.
“At the heart of the racing industry are the amazing animal athletes that bring it to life.
“More than 24,400 people are part of the Western Australian racing industry and the main reason is because it offers a life with animals.
“Animals are everything to us and we strive to do our best for them every day. We aim to achieve the highest welfare standards through reliable data, evidence-based decisions and measurable advances in animal welfare.
“When it’s time for a horse or greyhound to leave the care of the racing industry, we support them into retirement by finding suitable homes and helping them make the adjustment to life as a pet or in a new career.
“Our Greyhounds as Pets program matches dogs with new homes, including tailored plans for their needs.
“Through our Off the Track WA program, we have former racehorses now competing in disciplines such as eventing, show jumping, endurance and polocrosse. Several have become therapy horses for people who have physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges.”
The WA racing industry governance and integrity measures include:
- The Rules of Racing, which cover the care of animals and can be rapidly enforced without reliance on the court system.
- Stewards have extensive powers to enforce the Rules of Racing, both on the track and at any time on a property where racing animals are kept.
- Penalties for breaking the rules include fines of up to $100,000 or removing people from the ownership or training of racing animals. WA is recognised as imposing the highest penalties of all Australian states.
- Licences or registrations are required for everyone in the industry. Racing animals must also be registered and are tracked during all stages of their careers.
- Apart from stewards, there is a special Racing Investigations Unit which investigates any suspected welfare concerns. People are encouraged to report any concerns and may remain anonymous.