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<p>The Government is keen that the welfare needs of racehorses are well met, both
during their racing lives and afterwards. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA)
is responsible for the safety of racehorses at British racecourses and the BHA works
alongside the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare to make horseracing as safe as possible.</p><p>
</p><p>The BHA has strong links to the international racing industry and was involved
in establishing the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Horse
Welfare Committee.</p><p> </p><p>The Government considers that the standards of regulation,
veterinary provision and facilities and fixtures at British racecourses is good. However,
both I and the BHA consider that more can be done to make horseracing safer which
is why I have been holding regular discussions with the BHA about this. Most recently
on the 14 May, I met the BHA as well as the new independent Chair of the BHA’s newly
appointed Horse Welfare Board. This Board was formed in March 2019 and includes members
from across the racing industry, veterinarians and animal health and welfare specialists.
This was a constructive meeting where the number of fatalities of racehorses was acknowledged
and both sides agreed that further action is required to tackle avoidable harm and
make the sport safer.</p><p> </p><p>The Board committed to doing all it can to improve
welfare outcomes. I stressed the need for the BHA to develop a robust action plan
that will deliver tangible results and intend to stay in regular contact with both
the BHA and newly appointed Horse Welfare Board to continue to press for improvements
in racehorse welfare.</p><p> </p>
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