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<p>Defra is keen to ensure that we uphold our high standards of welfare including
in relation to horseracing, and irresponsible use of the whip is completely unacceptable.
The British Horseracing Association (BHA) requires that whips be used responsibly
and jockeys may only use the whip within certain strict rules. The BHA policy on the
whip was drawn up in consultation with animal welfare groups, such as the RSPCA and
World Horse Welfare. The latest rules include a threshold on the number of times the
whip is used before racing stewards can consider an enquiry. If the rules are broken,
the jockey may be banned from racing for a certain number of days depending on the
seriousness of the offence. Defra is satisfied that the rules in place are sufficient
to restrict and limit the use of the whip in horse racing.</p>
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