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The International Group of Specialist Racing Veterinarians (IGSRV) expects those involved in horse racing to act responsibly towards all horses engaged in the sport. The IGSRV considers that the health and welfare of the horse must be recognized as fundamental concerns for all industry participants and that racing authorities should have appropriate measures in place to ensure that these are not compromised.
The document entitled “IGSRV Welfare Guidelines for Horse Racing” outlines the principles for the ethical management of horses. The IGSRV Principles for Acceptable Welfare Practices in Horseracing complements the former document and addresses practices that are considered to have no place in the treatment or management of racehorses and practices that may have legitimate value but should be controlled or otherwise restricted.
Racing authorities are expected to monitor the welfare of racehorses and are encouraged to design and implement programs to improve the health and welfare of racehorses in their jurisdiction. The IGSRV is committed to the advancement of equine research and particularly that which is designed to enhance the health and welfare of the racehorse. Racing authorities and their veterinary advisors are encouraged to be proactive in the support of relevant research, to continually review and upgrade their equine welfare policies in light of new research findings and strive to adopt principles of “best practice” with respect to equine welfare. |
