National
Welfare Code of Practice Endorsed
On
behalf of the American Horse Council, November 12, 2009 - A national Welfare
Code of Practice has been endorsed by the American Association of Equine
Practitioners, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Kentucky Thoroughbred
Association, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the U.S. Equestrian
Federation and the U.S. Trotting Association. The Welfare Code of Practice,
drafted by the American Horse Council, outlines in generic terms what it means
for an organization to be committed to the responsible breeding, training, care,
use, enjoyment, transport and retirement of horses.
“We hope that as many organizations as possible will endorse it to show that
the industry as a whole is committed to the welfare and safety of the horse,”
said AHC President Jay Hickey. “We know that the safety and welfare of our
horses is very important to us. We hope that this code will be another
indication to others that the horse community takes its responsibilities to our
horses very seriously.”
Many associations have undertaken studies, reviews and initiatives that indicate
their commitment to the welfare of their horses. Representatives from numerous
national organizations provided an update on their welfare activities at the
AHC’s National Issues Forum last summer. That forum is available for on-demand
viewing on www.horsetv.com.
It is important to share these efforts with the horse community so everyone can
educate themselves on the best welfare practices throughout the sport. This
generic code is simply a continuation of that effort.
The AHC’s Welfare Code of Practice is not intended to replace or pre-empt
those activities or any rules and regulations specific to a segment of the
industry. Rather it is hoped that the endorsement of a broad, more generic
Welfare Code of Practice by as many organizations as possible will be another
indication to the public, the media, federal and state officials, and the horse
community that the horse industry “Puts the Horse First.”
“We fully support the AHC Welfare Code of Practice and encourage everyone
associated with the horse to abide by its principles,” said Alex Waldrop,
president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. “It is
important that the horse industry as a whole, regardless of breed or discipline,
affirms its individual and collective commitment to horse welfare and safety. It
is equally important that the industry communicate with one voice on this
important issue, and the AHC is the right vehicle for doing so.”
“This Code of Practice stands to unite the equestrian community in its
commitment to protect, honor and ensure the safety and well-being of the horse,
which is the core of our sport,” noted John Long, CEO, United States
Equestrian Federation, the National Governing Body of Equestrian Sport.
The AHC Welfare Code of Practice will also provide a guide for equine
organizations that are formalizing a welfare philosophy and policy for their
respective organizations. “The American Horse Council Welfare Code of Practice
provides a standard for the horse industry and equine organizations to evaluate
their individual welfare policies and initiatives. It clearly states the
principles necessary to achieve a level of stewardship for the horse that always
puts the welfare of the horse first,” said Dr. Jerry Black, past-president of
the AAEP and chair of the AHC’s Animal Welfare Committee.
“I would strongly encourage all equine-related organizations to join us in
signing the code of practice demonstrating their commitment to continuously
ensuring the safety and welfare of our horses,” said Don Treadway Jr.,
American Quarter Horse Association executive vice president. “By agreeing to a
code of practice, we send a clear message to the public that we are committed to
ensuring our horses are treated with compassion, dignity and respect.”
“We hope that as the Code is reviewed, more organizations will endorse it. Our
goal is to have as many associations as possible sign on,” said Hickey.
The AHC Welfare Code of Practice follows.
Welfare Code of Practice American Horse Council
Introduction
American society has grown away from its agrarian roots of only a few
generations ago. The horse, which was once a staple of American agriculture and
general transportation, is now used primarily for breeding, competition, sport,
recreation and entertainment, although there are still many horses used for work
on farms and ranches, and in urban areas and exhibitions.
The horse industry is committed to the safety, health, care and welfare of all
horses and to always “Put the Horse First.”
We address equine welfare and responsible care (1) by supporting a uniform Code
of Practice regarding the responsible breeding, training, competing, care, use,
enjoyment, health, transportation and retirement of horses; and (2) by
initiating communication with the public, the media, federal and state
officials, and within the horse community regarding these issues.
Our Commitment to all Horses and the Horse Industry
The organizations listed below are committed to the principle that the welfare
and safety of the horse is the guiding principle in the decision-making process
for all owners, service providers, organizations, events and activities.
WE ARE COMMITTED to the dignity, humane care, health, safety and welfare of
horses in all our activities and care. These are our highest priorities. We are
the stewards of our horses and must be firm in the standards and practices that
guide us.
WE ARE COMMITTED to promoting responsible breeding practices and to produce
better horses, not just more horses.
WE ARE COMMITTED to responsible training techniques. All training should be done
with the maturation and ability of the horse considered. Horses should be
prepared for competition with proper training and conditioning methods.
Excessive disciplining methods, whether in stables, training areas or during
competition, will not be tolerated.
WE ARE COMMITTED to educating owners, trainers, veterinarians, competitors,
exhibitors and recreational riders to ensure that they know and respect their
horse’s abilities and limits, and their own, so as to not push the horse or
themselves beyond their ability level.
WE ARE COMMITTED to making all competitions fair and ensuring all competitors an
equal opportunity to succeed. Performance-enhancing drugs, practices or
equipment have no place in competitions or exhibitions. Effective drug testing
by accredited laboratories is essential to the safety and welfare of our horses
and the public support of competitions, with appropriate penalties levied for
violations. The welfare of the horse must take precedence over the demands or
expectations of owners, breeders, trainers, sellers, buyers, organizers,
sponsors, officials or spectators.
WE ARE COMMITTED to the welfare of the horse as paramount during competition.
The horse industry should invest in the infrastructure, environment and
facilities to provide a safe environment for all horses in all activities,
whether breeding, competing or simply riding. Any facilities that house horses
should be committed to the appropriate care and treatment of all horses while in
their facility, and should be designed with the environment and the intended use
of the horse in mind.
WE ARE COMMITTED to minimizing injuries to horses during training, competition,
use or work. Whenever possible, injury data should be collected, documented and
reported to the governing body of the competition or any other injury database
for analysis in order to ensure a safer environment.
WE ARE COMMITTED to the continual review, evaluation and improvement of all
rules, regulations, policies and practices in all equine activities, based on
science (where indicated). When warranted, they should be refined or changed.
This includes existing practices to ensure they are not being perceived as
acceptable, particularly if new research has called them into question.
WE ARE COMMITTED to providing continuing education on all activities involving
horses and eliminating inhumane practices as well as strengthening sanctions for
noncompliance.
WE ARE COMMITTED to educating all people who own or work with horses to ensure
they are knowledgeable in the proper husbandry, care and handling of horses.
Each horse should be observed frequently to ensure that they are healthy. In
consultation with a veterinarian, all such individuals should develop a sound
health care program, appropriate to the facilities, environment and needs of the
horses.
WE ARE COMMITTED to providing an environment in which anyone aware of equine
cruelty or neglect is willing to report it to the proper local, state or federal
authorities. Should an incident occur at an event, it should be reported to
judges, stewards, responsible authorities or the sanctioning organization.
WE ARE COMMITTED to improving the health and welfare of horses through
scientific research, collaboration, advocacy and the development of appropriate
rules. The industry should continue to support and work with the many
individuals, universities, veterinarians and foundations doing and funding
equine health and welfare research in order to reduce injuries and improve
health.
WE ARE COMMITTED to horse owners and caretakers ensuring horses in their care
are current on vaccinations and following best practices to minimize infection
and disease. When a disease outbreak occurs, horse owners and events must act
quickly and responsibly, monitor the horses, report the outbreak to, and
cooperate with, veterinarians, authorities, facility management and all
stakeholders to bring a rapid resolution to the outbreak.
WE ARE COMMITTED to ensuring that our horses will have an opportunity to
transition to additional careers, uses or activities as the need arises. When
necessary, owners and veterinarians may have to consider end-of-life decisions.
The welfare, safety and dignity of the horse must continue to be the guiding
principle in deciding how and when to provide a humane death.
WE ARE COMMITTED to being transparent about our activities in order to ensure
the public; the media; federal, state and local officials; and the various
segments of the horse community understand what we do, why we do it, and support
it.
For
more information, visit the American Horse Council's webpage: www.horsecouncil.org
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