QRIC’s proactive stance on racing animal welfare
29 January 2025
The QRIC takes a proactive stance on racing animal welfare and the QRIC’s Compliance and Assurance Team works diligently to investigate reports made regarding animal welfare.
QRIC’s Deputy Commissioner Kim Kelly encouraged community members who have evidence or suspect that the welfare of racing animals is being or may be compromised, or that animals are being mistreated to report it to the QRIC for further investigation.
“The QRIC has jurisdiction over the welfare of racing animals and works in partnership with other agencies for retired race animals like the RSPCA and Queensland Police.”
“Racing community members have made the QRIC aware of a probable animal welfare case in the Sunshine Coast area. I would like to thank the members of the racing community for bringing this case to our attention.”
“While I am unable make comment on specific cases, I would like to advise that both the RSPCA and Queensland Police are now aware of this case.”
“It has been incorrectly reported on social media that the QRIC was aware of this animal welfare case since late last year. This is factually incorrect. There were no former notifications to QRIC’s Report Something functions or via racing stewards in relation to this case.”
“In addition, the QRIC’s investigative powers are primarily related to racing animals. And, the QRIC works in partnership with other agencies like the RSPCA and Queensland Police in relation to animal welfare cases regarding retired animals.”
“Should members of the racing or general community have concerns regarding the possible mistreatment of racing animals or any other wrong doing, they are strongly encouraged to report their concerns to the QRIC via the Report Something function,” he said.
Reports about racing animal care concerns can be made on the Report Something portal on the QRIC website at www.qric.qld.gov.au/reportsomething or via phone 1300 119 291.
The Report Something hotline is a vital tool for QRIC to swiftly address concerns and uphold ethical standards across all racing codes in Queensland.
The QRIC has a role to uphold the Rules of Racing and, in doing so, acts to safeguard animal welfare and the integrity of the racing industry.
ENDS.
Media Contact: communication@qric.qld.gov.au | 0438 544 628