The Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) commends the Queensland Government for their announcement this week of an inquiry into the regulation and oversight of retired racehorses and the operation of facilities accepting horses to process for slaughter.
The Board of the AHIC condemns the mistreatment of former racehorses exposed by the 7.30 program on ABC TV. Prior to being put down, no breed of horse, pony, donkey or mule deserves such appalling treatment.
If an individual horse is no longer sound, becomes un-reproductive, dangerous to be handled or incapable of re-training, finding a “for life” home is very difficult. Horses with such caveats upon their existence deserve a humane end.
The AHIC calls on all State Governments to implement a review of the oversight and adherence to animal welfare protocols at all horse abattoirs and knackeries in Australia.
Mark Burnell, President of the AHIC said “This goes beyond the welfare protection of just racehorses, but extends to the Australian horse population as not only do racehorses end up being processed in abattoirs and knackeries but all breeds of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules as well. Horse owners need to have confidence that their horses will be treated humanely and professionally should they need to send them to such a facility”
Additionally, the AHIC calls for greater implementation and oversight of the existing National Animal Transport regulations. They cover age of animals travelling, access to water and types of transport used.
The AHIC has been a proactive participant in the Senate Inquiry into the Feasibility of a National Horse Traceability Register and awaits with interest the Senate committees report due in December 2019.
The AHIC will be discussing the horse register and the broader subject at our upcoming Industry Advisory Committee meeting on 29 November 2019 which will see representation from a broad range of equine organisations.