QRIC Racing Animal Welfare grants applications now open
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission’s (the Commission) 2022-23 Racing Animal Welfare (RAW) grants program opened for applications from 1 July 2022.
Applications are welcome until 31 August 2022 for animal welfare projects commencing January 2023.
Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner Shane Gillard said the RAW grants program supports the delivery of projects that promote and support the Commission’s animal welfare objectives including maximising the post-racing career opportunities for racing animals.
“In the past three grants rounds the Commission has provided more than 200 hundred thousand dollars to support not for profit organisations to fulfil their animal welfare projects,” he said.
Racing Minister Grace Grace said this grants program is an important initiative for the industry.
“We want to see, and Queenslanders expect, that racing animals are treated properly during and after their racing career,” Ms Grace said.
“Strong animal welfare is also essential for protecting the economic and social benefits that the racing industry brings to Queensland.
“Racing generated a record $1.9 billion for the Queensland economy in the last financial year, and the industry supported nearly 14,000 jobs.”
Racing animal welfare has benefitted from a range of funded projects including education videos, events specifically run for off the track animals and welfare programs aimed at rehoming racing animals after their careers on the track.
A grant to the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences and School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland assisted in the development of an online learning module that encompasses important aspects of acquiring, assessing and re-educating retired racehorses.
The collation of high-quality information from active organisations, subject matter experts, equine specialist veterinarians and scientific literature raises the profile of alternative career opportunities for retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses and educate buyers.
The module for potential owners of retired racers is now available to view on the QRIC website.
This year the Commission has allocated a total pool of $70,000 under the RAW grants program, with eligible organisations able to receive up to $5000 per application (up to three applications are permitted for each organisation).
Successful grant applicants will be notified in mid-November 2022 for projects to commence from 1 January 2023.
More information, including guidelines is available on the QRIC website.
Contact the QRIC Animal Welfare team on 1300 087 021 or email welfare@qric.qld.gov.au