Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced the introduction of a bill (H.R.1754 – Horseracing Integrity Act of 2019) to reform horse racing. The bill is intended to focus on “the reckless doping of race horses and race track safety,” according to Kitty Block, president of the Humane Society of the United States.
In response to this proposed bill, Alan Foreman of the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association issued the following statement.
Statement from the THA Regarding the Proposed Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act |
| For the past year, the THA has been actively involved with industry leaders in seeking solutions to our medication issues and in enacting rules, policies and protocols to enhance the health, safety and welfare of our horses.
It has been our widely-expressed view that the original Horseracing Integrity Act, as proposed, should encompass mandatory equine safety and welfare standards for all racetracks and horsemen, and the creation of an investigative and enforcement arm of the industry. While we have yet to see the proposed legislation, it appears that in his Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, Senator McConnell has substantially incorporated our views. We intend to continue to be a constructive participant since the legislation, if enacted, will require substantial industry support and assistance. Our Association has been a national leader in promoting equine health and safety protocols through the Mid-Atlantic Strategic Plan to Reduce Equine Fatalities and we expect to continue in that role.
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To follow this bill, click here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1754
