Thomass Posted October 17, 2019 Share Posted October 17, 2019 If reports out of Australia tonight wrt ABC7.30 program on Thoroughbred abbitoirs are anything to go by the shit is about to hit the fan! And we'll cop the backwash too NZTR better have all of their t's crossed and prepared for the media here... a sample of tweets... It was horrific. What about the sickos that worked at the abattoir’s, the way they kicked, jabbed, abused and screamed at these beautiful creatures. TV HOST JO MCcKINNON Tonight’s @abc730 expose on Australian racing and the slaughter of thoroughbreds including high profile racehorses and well known stallions and broodmares is the single most horrific thing I’ve ever seen in my life. It is real, factual and disturbing to the core. Vlandys “We have to rely on the information being given to us,” V’landys told the program. “We don’t have the resources to go to every horse in NSW to see if it’s alive or if it has passed away. “We will investigate, and if it's happening we will put the full force of the law against them because they're breaking the rules of racing.” Footage was shown during the program of horses being sold at a livestock sale at Camden. An undercover reporter asked a truck driver who was loading horses on his rig, “where are these going” before the person replied “Cootamundra” but the truck was followed to the Luddenham Pet Meat knackery. ABC investigative journalist Caro Meldrum-Hanna said she has seen firsthand, “proof of multiple racehorses ending up at Luddenham pet meat after the knackery ban came into force”. “We will be reviewing the program and investigating the accusations,” V’landys said last night. “We did contact 730 today (Thursday) to correct some of the inaccuracies but we didn’t get a return call. “If people are doing the wrong thing we will prosecute them.” The program also highlighted the Meramist abattoir in Queensland and Burns Pet Foods at Riverstone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomass Posted October 17, 2019 Author Share Posted October 17, 2019 https://www.abc.net.au/7.30/the-dark-side-of-the-horse-racing-industry/11614022 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted October 17, 2019 Share Posted October 17, 2019 Horrific. I recall a good post, quite a few years ago, from Berri on Channel X. It didn't get much traction - many readers preferred to bring up Race-O and failed sectional timing as a reason to rubbish the content [ typical of many who can't separate the person from the concept ] but it was very well thought out IMO. He made the point that re-homing is not always possible, euthanasia - death - was the inevitable end for some horses [ as well as other stock ] so accept the fact, and do the job bloody properly. Cleanly, and with humanity and dignity. I can't see our leaders doing a goddamn thing. Even the beleaguered greyhound industry has a sponsored rehoming programme - GAP - which seems to work well. I had an ex-racing dog recently join my canine family, and was quite impressed with the job the girls do, and the feedback and processes undertaken. I fully understand that horses are considerably more expensive to have as pleasure animals, and the costs involved in managing rehoming properties would be considerable....but, in a recent conversation with the amiable and very approachable Marty Burns, he said there is much he would like to see done, but - no money. Another sad indictment on the priorities of this industry, and how out of touch it is with modern concepts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Bloggs Posted October 17, 2019 Share Posted October 17, 2019 All of us at the coalface know, or should know that many go to an unfortunate and unplanned end. The treatment of these poor souls and yes horses have a soul too IMO.......is disgusting, and if I knew a slaughter man personally, one who features in this video acting cruelly, I'd like to dispense my punishment 'personally' and damn the consequences.........as a trainer and owner/breeder my missus and I do absolutely everything we can to find good long term homes for my slow and old ones, sometimes your trust is broken by a dishonest or misguided re-homer and you are compromised, but if you have a collective of like minded souls then you generally learn of the miscreants and you can correct the wrongs........it's sending us broke, literally, but it's what you do......if you love and respect them.......I don't love the ABC anymore, cos it's not my ABC anymore......but I stand with them on outing these pricks at the abattoirs. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomass Posted October 17, 2019 Author Share Posted October 17, 2019 CEO Statement in response to ABC 7.30 Racing Victoria Staff@RacingInsider 8:36am , ( Racing Victoria Chief Executive, Giles Thompson, has issued the following statement in response to last night’s episode of ABC’s 7.30 program which centred on the Australian thoroughbred and harness racing industries: “We are sickened by the horrific images that we saw on ABC 7.30 Report last night, particularly the inhumane treatment of horses at the Queensland abattoir. Abattoirs and knackeries are regulated by State Governments and we expect those authorities to ensure animal welfare standards are maintained and compliance is strictly enforced. We expect anyone breaching those laws to be prosecuted. “Equine welfare is a non-negotiable for the Australian racing industry and the goal of ensuring a home for every healthy thoroughbred as it exits the racing industry must remain a priority for all. Through our Off The Track program we are working to create a demand for the thoroughbred and promoting a network of 50 retrainers to support the rehoming efforts of owners and trainers. “While the racing industry is able to enforce strict rules and demand the highest standards of treatment for horses during their racing career, once a horse is retired from racing it leaves our jurisdiction and the scope of the national rules of racing. “This is of course a matter of national concern and not just restricted to thoroughbreds. We have been calling for a better system to track the movement of horses once they have left the racing industry and are urging the Federal Government’s Senate Standing Committee to expedite its deliberations and pave the way for the urgent introduction of a National Horse Traceability Register. “In the meantime, we will be prioritising the activities detailed in our three-year equine welfare strategic plan released this year including an audit of Victorian horses that have not raced in the past 18 months but are not listed as retired with Racing Australia. “Further, it is clear that national compliance with the industry’s system of data collection relating to the retirement of horses is not working as it should. We will also be working with Racing Australia, our owners and trainers, and other State racing authorities to rectify this.” 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomass Posted October 17, 2019 Author Share Posted October 17, 2019 4 hours ago, Freda said: Horrific. I recall a good post, quite a few years ago, from Berri on Channel X. It didn't get much traction - many readers preferred to bring up Race-O and failed sectional timing as a reason to rubbish the content [ typical of many who can't separate the person from the concept ] but it was very well thought out IMO. He made the point that re-homing is not always possible, euthanasia - death - was the inevitable end for some horses [ as well as other stock ] so accept the fact, and do the job bloody properly. Cleanly, and with humanity and dignity. I can't see our leaders doing a goddamn thing. Even the beleaguered greyhound industry has a sponsored rehoming programme - GAP - which seems to work well. I had an ex-racing dog recently join my canine family, and was quite impressed with the job the girls do, and the feedback and processes undertaken. I fully understand that horses are considerably more expensive to have as pleasure animals, and the costs involved in managing rehoming properties would be considerable....but, in a recent conversation with the amiable and very approachable Marty Burns, he said there is much he would like to see done, but - no money. Another sad indictment on the priorities of this industry, and how out of touch it is with modern concepts. Gina Schick runs a very reputable re-homing system out of Cambridge but there's not a lot else going on by the looks.... NZTR A thoroughbred should be provided a good life, with the care and conditions that will allow the horse to thrive and perform to its natural abilities, with minimal discomfort and an absence of suffering.” Responsible re-homing of thoroughbreds is an important issue for racing internationally. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is committed to ensuring that as many of our horses as possible are retrained and re-homed for second careers as sport or pleasure horses. This includes horses that are bred but not deemed competitive early or late in their expected racing career, as well as retired thoroughbreds. Welfare concerns may arise where: Owners do not have sufficient financial resources, facilities, or knowledge to properly care for horses that do not progress to, or are retired from racing or breeding Horses are engaged in post racing activities for which they are not physically suited due to pre-existing injuries or inherent capabilities Uncompetitive horses become neglected or are thoughtlessly given away to unsuitable new owners. NZTR attends the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR), which aims to promote retraining racehorses. We’ve also partnered with various groups to promote the versatility of thoroughbreds. NZTR and Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) launched a joint initiative in 2014 called Thoroughbreds in Equestrian Sport (TiES), aimed at increasing opportunities for second careers for thoroughbred horses retiring from racing. TiES holds annual national competitions offering prizes to the most successful thoroughbred in the following equestrian sports categories: Show jumping and show hunter Eventing Dressage. A similar initiative is NZTR’s association with the NZ Show Horse Council and sponsorship of the Off the Track Show Horse series. NZTR also sponsors Beyond the Barriers which is a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to educate people regards the care of retired thoroughbred, retrained as a pleasure or sporthorse. As at late 2017 NZTR does not have sufficiently robust data to trace our thoroughbred population in a comprehensive manner or to confirm the numbers of horses that are successfully re-homed at the end of their racing careers. Through 2018, NZTR will conduct a range of initiatives that aim to resolve this shortcoming. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing will: Amend the Rules of Racing to create a duty of care for retiring and rehoming thoroughbreds Consult with reputable re-homing operators and relevant sector groups and agencies to develop a plan to support re-homing operators Providing supporting material for the people who receive the retrained thoroughbreds covering feeding, grooming and all round care of thoroughbreds Provide support for initiatives that showcase the versatility of thoroughbreds, including TiES and the Off the Track Show Horse Series Support objective research that identifies why horses do not start racing, or leave racing and breeding Support objective research that identifies the activities that retrained horses participate in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted October 17, 2019 Share Posted October 17, 2019 We'll see how much of it happens. I have heard of Gina Schick's operation - good on her - but i dont think it is NZTR funded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted October 17, 2019 Share Posted October 17, 2019 We have several good girls in Canterbury who will reschool and rehome horses, but that is by way of a 'commercial' operation, in on-selling those horses. Again, there is no help or sponsorship given in any official capacity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedley Posted October 17, 2019 Share Posted October 17, 2019 it makes me sick in the pitt of my stomach., You Bastards :o 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefton Posted October 18, 2019 Share Posted October 18, 2019 Haven't seen it but Messara is clearly keen to shut down the NZ industry - sad as it is this may just hasten the inevitable. And to be fair if this is the way these animals are treated(and we southerners all know of the trucks that go to Gore(not sure if they still do but they certainly used to)) then the industry should not be allowed to carry on. Having said that neither should the diary industry the way bobby calves are treated(but two wrongs do not make a right) 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted October 18, 2019 Share Posted October 18, 2019 1 hour ago, Reefton said: Haven't seen it but Messara is clearly keen to shut down the NZ industry - sad as it is this may just hasten the inevitable. And to be fair if this is the way these animals are treated(and we southerners all know of the trucks that go to Gore(not sure if they still do but they certainly used to)) then the industry should not be allowed to carry on. Having said that neither should the diary industry the way bobby calves are treated(but two wrongs do not make a right) Gore has been closed for a while now - but there is another outfit in Timaru, which when I saw it, was worse. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chimbu Posted October 18, 2019 Share Posted October 18, 2019 This came across my Facebook newsfeed. Warning: It is a long read. The author, PW Thoroughbreds, is an Australian TB re-homer. "Following the @abcaustralia slaughterhouse report, many people have been asking what I think and how I feel. The first thing I want to say is that I am devastated with the way the horses lives are ended. However, I am here to defend racing, as a reputable racehorse rehomer and track work rider, here are the facts: 1. MAJORITY (not all, I said majority) of the horses in those videos had not come directly from the track to the knackery. There is not a single chance in hell any of those horses were in racing condition. If you swipe through my photos, all 6 of those horses were JUST retired and from 6 different trainers, so you can see the consistency. They retire with their manes pulled, feet trimmed and their coats sleek, indicating optimal health. Horses were dropped to the knackery by which ever do gooding c^*t who bit off more than they could chew. 2. Trainers do their fucking best to rehome horses. If little Sally turns up to the stables with her $30k Rowville horse float and $300 shipping boots, most trainers are going to rightfully assume that little Sally loves horses and will keep their beloved racehorse forever. Trainers don't know that little Sally is flat out sitting on a rocking horse and this horse might change hands 5 times before it meets it fate. 3. Breeders are not responsible for these horses once they are sold. End of story. Flashing their brands on tv is NOT FAIR to the breeder whom likely hasn't seen or heard from the horse since it was a yearling. 4. For every shit story of a horse ending up at the doggers, there are 5 nice stories of a horse that has gone into a new home and proven successful in whatever pursuit it was chosen for. Do the fucking research and look them up. Has anyone ever scrolled through the Echuca sales and seen how many QH and clydie crosses are on there ?? Where is the story on them ? 5. RACING IS NOT STOPPING. END OF STORY. If you are concerned with the welfare of the horses whilst they are racing - here are two things you can do. Get a job in the industry so you can make a difference, or put your hand up for a horse that has retired and take care of it for the rest of its life. Some horses are not suitable to be rehomed, end of story. Just like some dogs have to be euthanised because they aren't suitable to be pets, it is the same with horses. If a horse is not safe around people, it is not safe enough to be alive. Horses need people to survive. End of story. Newsflash, they aren't wild anymore ! Racing is a rich industry that employs So SO MANY PEOPLE. It is one of the only industries whereby both typically developing people and people with additional needs work as equals and that is fucking amazing. If you are a racehorse trainer - please read this, it will take you five minutes. ● Find yourself a middle man - someone who knows the equestrian industry and knows racing. A track rider is ideal. This person can find the RIGHT people for the RIGHT horse. People should ALWAYS be matched to horses and not vice versa. This middle man can weed through the fuck wits and find the most suitable home possible. Myself, the Kaminski girls etc are good middle men (I am biased though) ● STAY IN TOUCH ! I know it's hard and we are all so busy, but the more you stay in touch the more accountable the new owner will be. Owners and trainers can stay in touch, it can be as simple as hitting the like button on a photo. It's not hard. ● Have a probation period and offer to take the horse back. Everything that I rehome has a probation period and I welcome anything back if it doesn't work. It's hard to know if a horse will work when we don't get to sit on them first. Give them the option of returning the horse, but have some strict guidelines. There are more fuckwits in the equestrian world than any other world but there are lots of good eggs that are genuinely just chasing a nice horse. ● Keep a data base of good horse owners. People who compete the horses you rehome at high levels or who stay in touch. And ALWAYS prioritise these people when you're rehoming. ● Keep a black book. I have marks on several people on my rehoming page. There are lots of people who will NEVER get a horse from me and they have no fucking idea. If you are an equestrian enthusiast and want a horse off the track PLEASE read this. ● Set yourself aside $60-150 a week for feed. Thoroughbreds aren't cheap to run, particularly in the first 12 months following retirement. ● GET LESSONS! Get lessons weekly, fortnightly, monthly at worst. If you can't commit to this, get a pony. ● If you are a windy rider, get a pony. End of. Get a fucking pony. ● If you exceed 85kg. Get a pony. Actually don't. Get a Clydesdale. Or a Cob. Thoroughbreds can't carry excessive weight for long periods. Our dear friend Sally sitting all 80kg of herself on poor old Socks for 45minutes waiting for cross country to start is a recipe for disaster. Their bodies are not designed for it. You'll spend thousands trying to figure out why it's unsound or not tracking up. The answer is sitting in the saddle. ● If you can't commit to your farrier every 4-6 weeks, get a pony. Thoroughbreds are the epitome of ' no foot no horse'. If you can't take care of their feet you will not have a sound horse. ● If your ex racehorse isn't working out PLEASE don't just discard of it. Try and get yourself some help or give it to a retrainer. ASK FOR HELP. I am so sick of the racing industry being shamed for the work of do gooding equestrians who promise us the world and dispose of the horses as soon as they so much as fart. I've attached a photo of a horse, Eramosa. Pete Gelagotis asked me to rehome him. He didn't even train the horse, it broke down before it had a start for him. So he took it to Moe races and Ellerton Zahra Racing bought it home with our runner from Moe yesterday. For free. Because they're good people who love horses. It's staying with us until Sunday when he leaves to his new home. We had nothing to do with this horse. We are just committed to rehoming them. Yes I love my workplace and am biased, but this isnt an isolated act of kindness, it happens all the time. I am fortunate enough to get horses from several different trainers including EZR, Freedmans, Gelagotis, Mitch Beer, Saab Hasan, Scott Cameron and one or two for John Sadler and David Noonan. Each and every one has held the horse at their stables for as long as possible, gelded them where necessary, trucked them to me and provided me with all vet info. PLEASE don't bash the trainers or the racing owners. Most are good." ? 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freda Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 Very good post. It is most definitely unfair to place all the blame on to the racing industry when so many of the horses concerned are hacks or ponies, non-T.B. I did state earlier that there are sporthorse people [ mostly girls for some reason ] who take and re-home off-track horses. However, there are also many, who, lacking real skill, take these horses, lunge them over a couple of fences and then advertise as being ' promising novice, ready to go on '. It's not uncommon to see these horses turned over in a very short time, when anyone should realise the time necessary to school and educate for the new job just doesn't happen in a matter of days. The cycle of a confused and poorly-educated horse that turns out to be quite unsuitable being passed on...and on....just adds to the mess. But it is a very poor indictment on the practices generally at many abbatoirs, and also with trucking firms, where cattle and sheep are stuffed into spaces where they may end up underneath a press of bodies, suffocated or injured in some way. Seeing cattle and sheep herded off trucks with no ramps, or parked away from the loading bank so many of them break limbs as they crash to the ground..a huge issue and I don't know if there is even a controlling body for livestock transport companies, or a code of best practice. I did ring Marty Burns [ G.M and Horse Welfare NZTR ] and, in the conversation, suggested that an approach to MPI about welfare concerns over abbatoirs could be a starting point, he thought it was a good idea. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomass Posted October 23, 2019 Author Share Posted October 23, 2019 The only way to keep a check on these disgraceful humans is to have fixed Video surveillance... ...just like our Fishing Trawlers...are supposed to have You can't ultimately trust humans when it comes to animal welfare v money at stake I'm afraid 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 After watching it, I have tried several times to write a response but words fail me in every regard, from the abattoir workers, to the racing industry's indifference and even to the ABC itself. It just seems the world is certainly fucked at times. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted October 24, 2019 Share Posted October 24, 2019 11 hours ago, Happy Sunrise said: even to the ABC itself I will explain this bit. ABC present a programme which has no interest in trying to find any balance whatsoever and have the temerity to put up helplines at the end of it. Not one person spoken to in any rehoming programme or any positive things about animal welfare that the industry is doing. No wonder you need to put up hotlines at the end when you deliberate set out to prove a point with no balance. For example, they never followed up on the trainer who didn't know his successful horse was at an abattoir after he had passed it onto someone else. I am not excusing anyone or anything as the whole show was deeply unsettling but who has the interests of the horses at hear? Certainly not the ABC or the NSW racing. It is the usual story in my opinion - the dedicated individuals who want to make a difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomass Posted November 14, 2019 Author Share Posted November 14, 2019 Very good points Happy and it seems Racing NSW agree and have made an official complaint... ...the reporter is not helping herself by making a concerted effort to bring the Racing Industry, down after it aired, with a Sicial Media campaign BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE LETTER IS BELOW Introduction Racing NSW Chairman Mr Russell Balding AO has made a complaint to the ABC regarding ‘The Final Race’ program broadcast on “7:30” on ABC Television on 17 October 2019 and what is viewed as serious and numerous breaches of the ABC’s statutory duties, Editorial Policies and Code of Practice. Racing NSW believes that the ABC has fallen far short of its statutory duty to ensure “news and information is accurate and impartial according to the recognized standards” and its Editorial Policy requirements to “uphold the fundamental journalistic principles of accuracy and impartiality”. The link to the 21-page letter detailing each of the breaches is HERE Summary The NSW racing industry has been depicted as being responsible for animal cruelty alleged to be occurring in some abattoirs and knackeries. In particular, the NSW racing industry is falsely and unfairly associated with such practices at Queensland’s Meramist Abattoir, in ways that state that the industry is complicit, knowledgeable, uncaring and/or indifferent. These statements include: “LEIGH SALES: Tonight the dark side of the horse racing industry. “ELIO CELOTTO, COALITION FOR THE PROTECTION OF RACEHORSES: I think they’re purposely hiding this from the general public… “PAUL MCGREEVY: We’re talking about destroying horses on an industrial scale. (emphasis added) “LEIGH SALES: … The ABC can reveal what really goes on when racehorses’ lives end in knackeries and abattoirs… (emphasis added) “CARO MELDRUM-HANNA: The doggers and their transporters are ever-present here and the holding pens are constantly replenished with the racing industry's wastage... “ELIO CELOTTO: … that tells you everything about the connection between the greyhound industry and the racing industry. They rely on each other. “PAUL MCGREEVY: the industry has let a lot of people down and a lot of horses down by the looks of things. Racing New South Wales will really struggle to justify what's going on here. “CARO MELDRUM-HANNA: While it's not illegal for New South Wales knackeries to be slaughtering racehorses, one fact is incontrovertible - it is the racing industry that's fuelling their business. (emphasis added) “ELIO CELOTTO: The knackeries are essentially cleaning up the racing industry's mess and getting rid of it. The problem now is that they're being exposed for what really is happening out there. (emphasis added) “CARO MELDRUM-HANNA: The racing industry's wastage is endless.” (emphasis added) In addition, comments about the industry are intercut with images and audio of cruelty to animals at Queensland’s Meramist Abattoir. For example, following the final excerpt quoted above the program shows images of horses being cruelly treated with the following soundtrack: “ABBATTOIR (sic) WORKER: Go on, you dumb f***ing dumb c***. … ABBATTOIR (sic) WORKER: F***ing stupid c***.” Yet there is no effort by the program to explain that Racing NSW has no association with, or control over, Queensland’s Meramist Abattoir or was aware of the atrocities occurring at that facility. Further, no substantive evidence of these serious and unfounded allegations are presented on the program. The unfairness is most clearly demonstrated in the interview of Racing NSW CEO, Mr Peter V’landys AM, who was not shown or made aware of the shocking footage of the sickening and abhorrent treatment of horses at Queensland’s Meramist Abattoir. Mr V’landys AM was denied the opportunity to present Racing NSW’s position in respect of that footage, which is broad and unconditional condemnation of such sickening and abhorrent treatment of horses. The audience would have been unaware that Mr V’landys AM had not been shown that footage or alerted to the treatment of horses at Queensland’s Meramist Abattoir nor given any opportunity to respond to, or comment on, that treatment. In stark contrast, two of the parties interviewed in the program, Mr Elio Celotto (from activist group, Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses) and Professor Paul McGreevy (a long-term critic of the racing industry), appear to have either been involved in obtaining, or provided with, privileged access to the footage shown on the “7.30” program and were allowed to comment specifically on the footage, with their perspective dominating the program. Racing NSW takes strong measures to prevent the inappropriate disposal of racehorses within its jurisdiction. However, throughout the program, images, narration and commentary are presented of appalling practices in abattoirs and knackeries. Racing NSW has publicly condemned the cruelty identified. If Racing NSW had been aware of any instance of animal cruelty, whether relating to horses within its jurisdiction or not, or in relation to any animals, it would have immediately taken action itself where it had authority and, where it did not have jurisdiction, reported such matters to relevant authorities for action and rectification. This is especially important in relation to animal welfare. It is disappointing that neither the ABC nor other parties involved in the two-year period of putting the program together apparently saw fit to report to authorities, when they became aware of the cruelty. While not within the ambit of this complaint, it is a matter for the ABC, as a public agency with integrity responsibilities, to consider. If the ABC has any evidence of abuse of thoroughbreds within the jurisdiction of Racing NSW, we would expect that such evidence be brought to Racing NSW’s attention as soon as possible. By gathering and presenting this information in this manner and failing to present the diversity of perspectives relevant to the issues, the program has failed to meet the standards of the ABC’s Editorial Policy and Code of Practice. The failure is particularly serious given the contentious nature of the content. There is unfairness at the core of the program’s approach and coverage of the issue. Despite an apparent two-year investigation, the interview with Racing NSW CEO, Mr Peter V’landys AM occurred only one day prior to broadcast. The request came just six days prior to broadcast and contained no information about the nature and extent of the cruelty allegations at Queensland’s Meramist Abattoir being made in the program which should have been provided to Racing NSW both prior to the interview being conducted and the program being broadcast. There were 29 horses identified in the program that were implied to be NSW horses that were being illegally and improperly disposed of. However, Racing NSW inquiries subsequent to the broadcast have shown that of the 29 horses named, only one horse was sold to an abattoir by a person within Racing NSW’s jurisdiction. Further, one horse, Reliable Kingdom, alleged by the program to have been “condemned to death” is in fact alive. Racing NSW and the racing industry in NSW were disproportionately represented in the program with far more detail than any other state and the viewer is given the incorrect impression that racing in NSW is the problem. In reality, Racing NSW was the only state to have had a Rule that attempts to address the issues raised in the program. In the context of Mr V’landys AM being asked a series of questions, the program shows footage of Queensland Racing. Racing NSW has no jurisdiction over Queensland racing and this unfortunately is symptomatic of the program’s approach. The complaint includes Racing NSW’s challenge of factual inaccuracies, misrepresentations, lack of independent verification of data, vision and statements, which include the following (in addition to those presented above): The program asserts that branding is burnt into horses, whereas the practice of fire-branding has been banned in thoroughbred racing for over 30 years. There are broad and unsupported statements about both the number and percentage of racehorses that are being killed at knackeries and abattoirs, with no independent verification being provided in support of those claims. References to thousands of racehorses being sent to abattoirs seems to be supported by unverified extrapolation of figures based on 22 days of alleged footage taken over a two-year period (3% of 2 years) and, in one case, a study conducted over 10 years ago, prior to the introduction of important welfare initiatives by the racing industry and Racing NSW’s Rules prohibiting horses predominantly domiciled in NSW for their life being sent to knackeries and abattoirs. In the context of images of horses cruelly treated at Queensland’s Meramist Abattoir, the program includes the allegation that horses “are coming straight off the racetrack” whereas the majority of the horses identified in the program had been retired from racing for many years. There is a need for the ABC to provide verification of the heavily edited footage and the analysis of the data cited in the program. This is because this data is used to allege that racing industry data is not only inaccurate but deliberately so. The ABC has a responsibility to “not present factual content in a way that will materially mislead the audience” (ABC editorial policy 2.1). The inaccuracies noted in the 21-page complaint influenced the perspective presented throughout the program with statements regarding the alleged scale and nature of the issue. There was no proper or serious attempt to present the perspective of the racing industry, which should have included the actions and work of Racing NSW (and other racing organisations) to address the welfare of thoroughbred racehorses, both during and after their racing careers. To the extent that they are referenced, they are done so in a manner to be contextualized and critiqued by the industry opponents featured in the program. The information that was specifically excluded from the program by the ABC included the statements of Mr V’landys AM provided during the interview in respect of Racing NSW’s many programs to rehome horses and provide equine therapy from these retired horses to disadvantaged persons within the community. The program also did not present the important racing industry initiative introduced in 2016, tracking thoroughbred horses from birth to retirement from the racing industry. Since 2016, foals must be registered shortly after birth and are permanently excluded from racing if they are not. This initiative was a major step in developing the national traceability register supported by Racing NSW. The program also failed to clearly identify the jurisdictional issues involved with different States and Territories or the extent of jurisdiction in relation to registered owners, trainers and horses while in the industry. For example, once horses move from the ownership of registered participants, Racing NSW has no legal right to either track or take action. Further, Racing NSW only has jurisdiction and power to act in the State of NSW. Despite this limited legal jurisdiction, Racing NSW seeks to act to protect the welfare of retired horses where it can, which has included purchasing horses from a Victorian sale located at Echuca which were at risk of being purchased by a knackery and also making bids on many other horses to make it unviable for the knackery to purchase them. Racing NSW also has no control or authority in relation to practices at knackeries or abattoirs which are subject to the State and Commonwealth legislative and regulatory oversight of those facilities. The ABC was made aware of the complexity of issues contained in the program through email information sent by Racing NSW in the short period subsequent to the interview with Mr V’landys, and prior to broadcast, but chose not to include this information in the program. Racing NSW considers the failure to adequately consider, or even engage with Racing NSW prior to the program, on information critical to the program, to further illustrate a failure of editorial standards. The program chose to proceed with damaging allegations regarding Racing NSW and the racing industry without specifically putting those allegations depriving Racing NSW and the racing industry from a fair and proper opportunity to respond to those allegations. This is illustrated by the program sending an email to Racing NSW at 1:06 pm on the day of the broadcast in respect of alleged NSW horses that had been sent to Camden sales and two NSW knackeries in breach of Racing NSW’s Rules. Notwithstanding the short timeframe, Racing NSW provided a detailed response at 2:19pm but apart from a brief statement by the 7.30 host after the report ended, there was no mention of Racing NSW’s response. This is patently inadequate and inappropriate given the apparent two-year investigation, the provision of a response to an email on the day of broadcast and the clear focus of the program’s report on the racing industry. The reporter, Ms Caro Meldrum-Hanna, has herself been observed on social media to continue to tweet, retweet and comment on other anti-racing causes even until the time of the lodgment of Racing NSW’s complaint showing a sustained attack on the racing industry, has supported other “anti-racing” causes such as anti-gambling and also commented and shared on declining TV ratings and wagering on the Melbourne Cup Carnival, directed multiple tweets at NSW Premier, Ms Gladys Berejiklian and other politicians in relation to the program. A copy of the tweets are available HERE 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Sunrise Posted November 16, 2019 Share Posted November 16, 2019 On 15/11/2019 at 8:51 AM, Thomass said: it seems Racing NSW agree and have made an official complaint They have a right to. Can't believe they took 2 years to make the programme. Makes the ABC almost complicit due to the need for a story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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