RSPCA Victoria is considering reports released by Racing Victoria today regarding the death of Irish horse Anthony Van Dyck after last year's Melbourne Cup and broader measures to increase the safety of international racehorses and riders.
"There are many animal welfare concerns inherent in thoroughbred racing, including injuries and deaths from training and racing. There has been a lack of transparency to date around injury rates in racing and factors that contribute to them. The RSPCA believes there must be complete transparency on injuries, thorough analysis of contributing factors and a comprehensive plan and investment made to address the gaps so that racing can be safe for both horses and riders - at all tracks around the country," said Dr Liz Walker, CEO of RSPCA Victoria.
"We're pleased to see Racing Victoria's Board has endorsed 41 recommendations to increase the welfare and safety of visiting international horses, along with local horses who race in the Melbourne Cup. Recommendations for enhanced vet screening, education for international trainers and owners, and regular clinical checks for horses once they are in Australia are all steps in the right direction. We particularly support the recommendation for all international horses to have a mandatory CT scan prior to every race start, and for them to only be permitted to have one race start in the lead up to the Melbourne Cup to reduce the risk of injury.
"When it comes to the Cup, with six horses dying in the past seven years, the frequency of catastrophic injury stands out and is of grave concern. Given the concerning history of incidents, we fully endorse the recommendation for all horses running - whether international or local - to have a mandatory CT scan prior to starting and a vet check the day before.
"Like many, we at RSPCA Victoria were distressed by the death of Anthony Van Dyck after he sustained an injury on course during the 2020 Melbourne Cup. The report released today indicates that a mandatory CT scan prior to the race would likely have identified a pre-fracture, and the outcome for that horse may have been different.
"Greater transparency and reporting in racing is absolutely critical, particularly around injuries, fatalities and other animal welfare concerns such as the number of horses entering and exiting the industry. RSPCA Victoria urges Racing Victoria to follow through with the recommendations outlined in today's reports and to continue to be transparent with stakeholders by providing updates as the recommendations are implemented. Transparency around progress and outcomes will help reassure the community that the welfare and safety of racehorses is being appropriately prioritised," said Dr Walker.
