Racing Victoria’s Equine Welfare Strategic Plan (EWSP) sets the agenda for the Victorian racing industry's primary focus on the horses and industry practices to ensure their welfare is protected through to 2027 and beyond.
Download - Equine Welfare Strategic Plan
The EWSP builds on the 2019 strategy, incorporating feedback from RV’s Equine Welfare Advisory Council, racing participants, owners, retrainers, animal welfare groups and horse sports associations through the period.
For the five year period, RV will prioritise seven focus areas. This includes three themes which continue from the 2019 EWSP:
1. Life After Racing
2. Injury Prevention
3. Traceability
And four new priorities:
4. Physical Welfare
5. Behavioural Welfare
6. Vulnerable Thoroughbreds
7. Breeding Welfare
The Victorian thoroughbred racing industry continues to contribute 2% of prizemoney to equine welfare to support these focus areas.
Equine Welfare Update - July 2024
On 11 July 2024 RV provided the following update to industry participants and owners.
As we approach the end of the 2023-24 season, I wanted to provide you with an update on Racing Victoria’s (RV) commitment to equine care and welfare.
As we know the thoroughbred is at the centre of our existence.
It is without debate that everyone of us engaged in Victorian racing has a role to play in the best interests of our thoroughbreds. For your part, we say thank you.