The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has issued a policy statement condemning unsanctioned racing. The statement was adopted by the organization's House of Delegates during its regular winter session. The American Association of Equine Practitioners voted to endorse the AVMA policy at a board meeting Jan. 22.
The policy statement reads:
The AVMA condemns unregulated racing of equids.
All horse races should comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as tenets of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act. Racing events must have a Category ll USDA-accredited veterinarian overseeing the health of participating equids. Effective protocols for infectious disease testing and control are required, and illicit (prohibited and banned) substances must never be administered to the equids. Abusive practices including, but not limited to, excessive whipping; application of caustic substances; or use of batteries, buzzers, or other similar electrical devices that could be used to alter the speed of a horse in a race or workout are not acceptable. Euthanasia, when warranted, should be performed by a licensed veterinarian in accordance with the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals.
Read our previous reporting on the safety and integrity concerns of bush racing here and the transmissible disease concerns surrounding bush racing here.
Alongside the statement, the organization noted concerns about the spread of equine diseases through bush races, use of illegal substances and abusive practices, jockey safety, and critical media coverage about the events. The Washington Post published an investigative piece about unsanctioned racing in August 2022 exposing considerable use of illegal drugs and buzzers at the events.
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