The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) is reaching out to provide support for racing participants hit by north Queensland flooding.
Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett, said the flood had severely affected many industry participants and their animals.
“The Commission is reaching out to people who may be finding it difficult to care for their racing animals at this time,” Commissioner Barnett said.
“The potential issues are the safety of animals affected by the flood, owners and trainers gaining access their animals, treating injured animals and caring for their basic needs including food, clean water and housing.”
Mr Barnett said Commission staff had become aware that some displaced or isolated racing industry participants were concerned for the welfare of their animals who, in a variety of circumstances, had been affected by the flood event.
“Animal welfare is of paramount importance and we want to ensure that we can support people who may need it at this time,” he said.
“We can provide industry participants with contacts with local veterinarian in the event that animals have been injured, or provide information about local agencies that may be able to assist until normality is restored.
“While the damage to racing infrastructure is still being assessed it may be many weeks before racing in north Queensland, in particular around the Townsville district is back to normal.
“We want to know if licensees are having any issues that might affect the long term welfare of their animals, before any potential animal welfare issues arise.”
“When the water recedes we will arrange an urgent safety assessment of the entire site before allowing access to people and horses.”
Racing participants are invited to contact the Commission on 0447 657 233 between 6am and 6pm for any flood related racing animal welfare concerns, so we can provide appropriate support.