A booklet, titled Principles of Animal Welfare in Ireland's Horse Racing Industry, was launched by Horse Racing Ireland on Friday. Created with input from people who work in a variety of roles in the horse racing and breeding industries in a co-design process, the booklet's objective was to put current best-practice science into language, principles and criteria which are real and coherent with four principles detailed as underpinning equine welfare in Ireland–Good Feeding, Good Housing, Good Health, and Good Well-being.
John Osborne, HRI's Director of Equine Welfare and Bloodstock, said, “We had robust discussions with a large and diverse group of industry participants which was very productive. Our core objective is to be in a position to verify that the standards of care for our horses are high and measurable.
“We should not take for granted what some might call the basics, but which are in essence the cornerstones of a good welfare profile for any horse. We have a responsibility to our horses, and everyone plays a part in delivering a good life to the centrepieces of our industry.”
The booklet is available in soft copy on the HRI's website and from HRI's Equine Welfare division, email Siobhan at sgriffin@hri.ie.
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