QRIC issues animal welfare direction after neglected racehorses found at a Pimpama property

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has issued an animal welfare direction to the owners of two currently registered thoroughbred race horses found in various stages of neglect at a Pimpama property.

The Commission’s veterinarian and Integrity Investigations Team (IIT) attended the property earlier this week after the case was referred from the RSPCA.

Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett said sadly, one registered race horse had died on the property prior to Commission staff attending and due to the poor condition of a second horse, it was humanely euthanised yesterday.

“Two horses remain in a serious condition and arrangements are in place for their care,” he said.

“Whenever the Commission receives an animal welfare report, the response is swift and in this case it was immediate.”

Commissioner Barnett said an animal welfare direction has been issued directing the owners to immediately increase nutritional and feed intake under veterinary advice and to further address the health of the horses under the guidance of a veterinarian.

“Any change in the horses’ condition must be reported to the Commission and the owners must not move them from the Pimpama property without approval,” he said.

“The RSPCA referred the case to the Commission when it was established the horses are currently registered as race horses,” he said.

Since the Commission commenced, more than 30 Animal Welfare directions have been issued to racing participants.

If you have information about the mistreatment of racing animals or wrongdoing in racing, we urge people to report it on the QRIC Report Something portal on the QRIC website, call 1300 119 291 or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

ENDS.

Media Contact Vincene Overs 0472 842 346