Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2015
320. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Turf Club or Horse Racing Ireland are obligated to report incidences of lack of animal care by horse trainers when their horses have not met the requirements of the pre-race veterinary examination (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32802/15]
View answerMy understanding is that this matter relates to two horses that were withdrawn from races ‘not fit to run’ as reported in the Irish Field in June 2015. The Turf Club have advised that in the case of one horse there was evidence of skin disease and soreness and in the case of the other animal there was also an issue with soreness. My Department has authorised the Turf Club under the Animal Health and Welfare Act and signed a service level agreement with that body to ensure the protection of horses under that Act.
The incidents concerned were not reported to my Department. There is no obligation or expectation that the Turf Club would report individual issues to the Department (e. g. overuse of the whip, a horse withdrawn because it is lame at a pre-race inspection) that are dealt with by the body themselves. The reporting relationship with the Turf Club and other bodies dealing with the implementation and monitoring of welfare issues is in the form of annual reviews & reports. In the event that the Turf Club uncover very serious welfare issues with broader repercussions then it is expected that these would be reported to the Department.
The Turf Club carries out an audit programme covering all aspects of compliance with the Rules of Racing (including animal welfare). I understand that they randomly inspect in the region of 100 trainers premises per annum as well as carrying out pre-race inspections during summer months. Specific premises are inspected where there is evidence to target such a premises and history of previous non-compliance with the rules of racing may be considered in this regard. During the inspection I understand the Turf Club identify all horses and check their condition. All adverse findings are included in the audit report.
