NZTR Statement on Animal Welfare Charges

[curious]

NZTR Statement on Animal Welfare Charges New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) acknowledges the decision today of the Racing Integrity Board’s (RIB’s) Adjudicative Committee regarding Mr John Malcolm and fully supports the decisive action taken against anyone who mistreats animals. NZTR does not tolerate any behaviour whatsoever that compromises animal welfare. At an early stage of the RIB’s investigation last year, both Mr John Malcolm and Mrs Rachel Malcolm’s licences were immediately suspended by NZTR, pending the outcome of the adjudicative process.  In today’s decision related to Mr John Malcolm, the penalty determined by the Adjudicative Committee for four serious racing offences and seven breaches of welfare standards is a lifetime disqualification from any involvement in the Thoroughbred industry.  NZTR Chief Executive Matt Ballesty confirmed support for the decision. “NZTR fully supports this outcome and remains committed to upholding the highest standards of care and treatment for Thoroughbred horses. We have zero tolerance towards any actions that compromise their wellbeing.” “The decision regarding Mr John Malcolm sends a clear message that animal welfare is paramount in our industry, and we fully support the outcome.”  NZTR will continue to enforce strict standards to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all horses within the industry.   Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Emma Thompson +64 21 071 2929 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

[Huey]

An easy target for the industry.

[curious]

1 hour ago, Huey said:

An easy target for the industry.

What do you mean by that?

[Assange]

6 hours ago, curious said:

NZTR Statement on Animal Welfare Charges   New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) acknowledges the decision today of the Racing Integrity Board’s (RIB’s) Adjudicative Committee regarding Mr John Malcolm and fully supports the decisive action taken against anyone who mistreats animals.   NZTR does not tolerate any behaviour whatsoever that compromises animal welfare. At an early stage of the RIB’s investigation last year, both Mr John Malcolm and Mrs Rachel Malcolm’s licences were immediately suspended by NZTR, pending the outcome of the adjudicative process.    In today’s decision related to Mr John Malcolm, the penalty determined by the Adjudicative Committee for four serious racing offences and seven breaches of welfare standards is a lifetime disqualification from any involvement in the Thoroughbred industry.    NZTR Chief Executive Matt Ballesty confirmed support for the decision. “NZTR fully supports this outcome and remains committed to upholding the highest standards of care and treatment for Thoroughbred horses. We have zero tolerance towards any actions that compromise their wellbeing.”   “The decision regarding Mr John Malcolm sends a clear message that animal welfare is paramount in our industry, and we fully support the outcome.”    NZTR will continue to enforce strict standards to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all horses within the industry.       Corporate Communications New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Contact: Emma Thompson +64 21 071 2929 nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

So remind me again what penalty Kurtis Pertab got. Seems he didn't get a clear message.

[jess]

The accounts of the actions giving rise to the charges in both cases, were extremely distressing to me.  I see it listed the breeding of the horses that were subjects of the charges.  As a breeder & owner I can only imagine how it would have felt to recognise my horse amongst those animals - distress compounded with guilt for sending them into the lion's den to be treated like that.       

I urge those who bear witness to blatant ill-treatment and cruelty to have the courage to speak up, challenge & intervene.  That is the only way we can rid the industry of inhumane practitioners.  It's also the way to help those who need more education & support to manage their behavior & build their skills, to ensure they don't take that path.   

I acknowledge that there is often a power imbalance & that speaking up can be at considerable personal cost, especially when employees are part of the picture.   For those who have stood up for those who cannot speak for themselves - the horses - I applaud you.   

I acknowledge the right of the accused parties to put their case & defend the charges.  But in so doing, their defence & upholding of patently cruel and inhumane practices speaks volumes - & is almost as distressing as the actions themselves.  Because it provides little to no hope of change or redemption.  In my opinion it also vindicates the judicial body imposing the stiffest of penalties, including lifetime bans.

While it's no small matter to lose the means of earning one's chosen living - there are other means to pay the bills. And perhaps some should reflect & offer thanks they were answering only to the industry body & not additionally to the District Court on criminal charges.   From what was reported, & albeit the jurisdictions are held to different standards of proof, it would seem the threshold for such charges would have been met.   

Regards, Jess

[Chief Stipe]

Many of the owners of the horses mistreated are from the "who's who" of Racing.  Some have made it to the races which I think is a reflection of the resilience of the horses involved.