AGCO Seeks Feedback On Welfare

Harness Racing Action
Published: December 2, 2022 03:31 pm EST

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is inviting participants to a new engagement opportunity supporting the regulation of horse racing in Ontario.

The AGCO’s mandate as it relates to horse racing in Ontario, includes enhancing the fairness, integrity and safety of the sport, while at the same time enhancing public confidence and modernizing horse racing regulation. Continuous assessment of the Rules of Racing as they relate to equine drugs and welfare allows the AGCO to uphold the integrity of the sport and to ensure the utmost protection of the industry.

Engagement Opportunity

The AGCO continues to explore a number of initiatives intended to safeguard the well-being of both horses and participants, which research has shown to be inherently linked. As a result, the AGCO is seeking input on four proposed welfare changes which include:

  • Amending the starting gate rules to improve equine welfare

  • Expanding out-of-competition testing to horses participating in a workout or entered in a qualifier

  • Requiring trainers to report all of their current stabling locations

  • Strengthening penalties for foot out of the stirrups or foot supports of a race bike

Provide Input on The AGCO’s Engagement Portal

On the AGCO’s engagement portal, participants can download and review the engagement materials, provide feedback on the proposed changes and ask questions. The portal will be available for feedback until the end of January.

Additional Input Opportunity: Roundtables

The AGCO will host a series of virtual roundtables as an additional opportunity for stakeholders to provide input on the proposed reforms, explore feasibility concerns and ask questions. Additional information regarding registration and timing of the Roundtable engagement opportunities can be found on the AGCO’s engagement portal.

(AGCO)

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