Tasmania racing body urges stronger penalties, training
Tasmania’s racing integrity watchdog has called for mandatory training for all horse racing participants and tougher penalties for animal welfare breaches, after finding major gaps in the state’s racehorse welfare code. The recommendations aim to improve animal care standards and ensure the industry meets rising community expectations around racehorse welfare.
Review finds welfare code needs major changes
Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll released seven recommendations following a formal assessment of Tasmania’s racehorse welfare code. The review was requested by Racing Minister Jane Howlett and focused on whether current rules adequately protect horses, particularly in relation to accommodation and protection from extreme weather.
Carroll said the assessment showed the existing code required significant improvements to remain fit for purpose. He stressed that animal welfare standards must continue to evolve if the racing industry wants to maintain public trust.
“Ensuring that our industry maintains animal welfare standards that continue to evolve in line with changing community expectations is essential to maintaining public confidence,” Carroll said.
Independent veterinary advice included
As part of the review, Carroll engaged equine specialist Dr Kate Savage to provide independent veterinary advice. Dr Savage is the former president of the World Equine Veterinary Association and reviewed the code against accepted animal welfare practices.
Her input helped shape the final recommendations, which aim to strengthen oversight and provide clearer guidance on minimum welfare standards across the racing sector.
Expanded powers for integrity officers
One of the key recommendations is to expand the powers of the chief racing integrity officer. Carroll proposed giving the officer authority to approve and monitor stables, issue rectification notices and temporarily remove horses from properties that fail to meet welfare standards.
The report also calls for the welfare code to be clearly referenced in local racing rules. Carroll said this would make compliance mandatory and reduce ambiguity around enforcement.
He further recommended clearer minimum penalties for welfare breaches to ensure consistent action when standards are not met.
Tasracing updates code and plans training
Tasracing has already updated its racehorse welfare code in response to the review. The organisation is also developing a mandatory training program in partnership with TasTafe. The training is expected to begin by April and will apply to all participants in the racing industry.
Tasracing chief executive Andrew Jenkins said the organisation remains committed to high animal welfare standards.
“I would like to recognise the work of Chief Veterinary and Animal Welfare Officer Dr Martin Lenz who developed the original code of practice and the subsequent incorporation of the recommendations from the commissioner’s office,” Jenkins said.
Industry under increasing scrutiny
The review comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of Tasmania’s racing industry. Seven thoroughbred racehorses died between August 2024 and July 2025, nearly double the number recorded in the previous year.
In August, the Tasmanian government announced that greyhound racing would be phased out by 2029. Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff warned at the time that horse racing was also facing increased public attention over animal welfare.
Similar standards planned for greyhound racing
Carroll said Tasracing is preparing a similar welfare code for greyhound racing. He recommended that the greyhound code address the same key issues, including accommodation standards, weather protection and enforcement powers.
The Racing Integrity Commissioner’s office will now develop formal welfare standards under the Racing Regulation and Integrity Act. These standards are intended to ensure that animal welfare rules continue to reflect community expectations and remain enforceable across the industry.
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