The Horse Industry Safety Alliance (HISA) and Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) have recently proposed legislation to replace the Horse Injury and Safety Act. This new legislation is aimed at improving the safety of horses in the racing industry and reducing the number of injuries.
The Horse Injury and Safety Act was passed in 2009 and was designed to protect horses from injury and death due to racing. However, the Act has been criticized for not being effective enough in preventing injuries and deaths. The new legislation proposed by HISA and RMTC aims to address this issue by introducing stricter regulations and guidelines for the racing industry.
The proposed legislation would require race tracks to have a safety plan in place that includes measures such as regular inspections of the track, mandatory safety equipment for riders, and improved veterinary care. It would also require that race horses be tested for drugs and medications before each race, and that any horses found to have been given prohibited substances be disqualified from racing. In addition, the legislation would require that race tracks provide adequate rest periods for horses between races.
The proposed legislation is a positive step towards improving the safety of horses in the racing industry. It will help ensure that horses are given proper care and that they are not put in danger due to inadequate safety measures or prohibited substances. The legislation will also help reduce the number of injuries and deaths due to racing, making it a safer sport for everyone involved.
It is important that the racing industry takes steps to ensure the safety of horses, and the proposed legislation is a good start. It is now up to the industry to implement these measures and ensure that all horses are given the best possible care.
