The American Quarter Horse
Association’s Executive Committee has approved the Animal Welfare
Assurance Task Force recommendations, and the Association is moving
forward to implement the suggestions.
The
Association’s main objectives are to educate members and the general
public on animal welfare issues and identify and eliminate any inhumane
training practices that might currently be perceived as acceptable
while strengthening sanctions for noncompliance.
AQHA’s
Animal Welfare Assurance Task Force met in the fall in Amarillo to
discuss issues facing the industry and ways to continue protecting the
American Quarter Horse and other equines.
Gathering
members from all aspects of the industry brought a wealth of knowledge
and experience together to ensure many views were represented. Members
of the task force included veterinarians, industry leaders, trainers,
representatives from equine organizations, and individuals representing
racing, showing and recreational riding. Clark Bradley; Dave Brian; Joe
Carter; Doug Corey, D.V.M.; Eleanor Green, D.V.M.; Jim Helzer; Connie
Hill; Bill Horton; Paul Jones; Nancy Goodman McIlwraith, D.V.M.; Scott
Myers, D.V.M.; Tammy Pate; Carol Rose; Bennie Sargent; Dorvan Solberg;
Johnny Trotter; Sandy Vaughn; and Rick Weaver served on the task force.
“The
welfare of American Quarter Horses has always been of paramount
importance to AQHA,” said Bill Brewer, AQHA executive vice president.
“In 2009, we are renewing our commitment to American Quarter Horses and
all other animal welfare issues as they relate to American Quarter
Horses. Our horses deserve our best. The responsibility of caring for
the American Quarter Horse should always be a top priority.”
Educational efforts on animal welfare have already begun and include the following:
A
link to AQHA’s animal welfare policy statement is featured on the
aqha.com home page. An article on AQHA’s animal welfare efforts, task
force recommendations and a request for a concerted effort from AQHA
Professional Horsemen to ensure the humane treatment of horses and
acceptable training practices will be in the January 2009 Professional
Horsemen’s newsletter. A rules committee met in conjunction with the
December Judges Conference in Irving, Texas, to review and make
recommendations on roping, working cow horse and reining rules in
relation to acceptable training and class procedures. The group also
made recommendations on excessive or abusive treatment rules related to
other disciplines, which will be sent to the Show Committee for
consideration at the annual Convention. New judging cards have been
printed to include space for the judge to indicate any
disqualifications for abusive practices in the show arena.
The following has been approved by the AQHA Executive Committee:
Action Plan For Breeding/Genetic Defects
1. Have
a breeders’ summit and videotape to develop an educational DVD and/or
power point presentation that could be used at Affiliate Workshop,
World Show, All-American Quarter Horse Congress, alliance partner
conventions and other locations by AQHA members.
2. A
“Welfare Link” for “America’s Horse” weekly newsletter and the AQHA Web
site has been created. It includes an animal welfare statement and
links to welfare information in the AQHA rulebook and will also provide
access to welfare articles covering different topics involving racing,
showing, breeding, etc. as they become available.
3. Conduct breeders’ seminar during AQHA Annual Convention.
4. Expand
current breeder referral program by establishing a “premium level” for
those breeders who agree to test for genetic and infectious diseases
(where applicable).
Action Plan For Shows
1. Change
Professional Horsemen’s application for both race and show
professionals to add a section to include an agreement to monitor
humane treatment. Change the current policy for Professional Horsemen
to have two members (increased from one) to discuss unacceptable
training or inhumane treatment with offenders on site.
2. Judges
must report disqualifications for inhumane treatment in show arena and
list reason for disqualification on judge’s card returned to AQHA.
3. Track horse injuries that occur at AQHA-approved shows, and create a form for a veterinary statement detailing injury.
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