In a first for the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, a 20-year-old Jimboomba woman has been charged with failing to comply with an animal welfare direction under the Racing Integrity Act 2016, Queensland Police say.
A joint QPS Queensland Racing Crime Squad (QRCS) and QRIC investigation saw officers issue an Animal Welfare Direction at the thoroughbred racing participant’s Jimboomba property on Sunday August 26 when a horse was found to be in a poor condition. The woman was directed to obtain a veterinary examination for the horse, report the results to the Commission, increase the horse’s feed and bring in the services of a farrier.
As a result of information received on Sunday September 2, IIT and QRCS officers were called to inspect the thoroughbred. The woman was arrested and charged when the thoroughbred was found to be further deteriorating after she allegedly failed to comply with the direction given a week before.
The woman will face two charges, the first for failing to comply under the Racing Integrity Act 2016 and animal cruelty charges under the Animal Care and Protection Act.
QRIC Commissioner Ross Barnett said the significance of these charges was that it was the first time charges had been laid for failing to comply with an animal welfare direction under Racing Integrity Act.
"This is an example of how the Racing Integrity Act can safeguard the welfare of racing animals in Queensland and I would continue to encourage members of the public if they believe racing animals are not adequately cared for to report it through out Report Something portal on the QRIC website qric.qld.gov.au," he said.
"The Jimboomba woman has been released on bail with conditions including not to acquire any further animals into her care. She will appear in the Beaudesert Magistrates Court on 29 September 2018 to face the charges.
"The Commission has also exercised its power to suspend the woman’s Thoroughbred Rider licence effective immediately.
"The malnourished horse was seized and placed in the care of another person."
