RSPCA Victoria
Media Release
For further information contact Tim Pilgrim, RSPCA Media Officer on (03) 9224 2237
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Victoria)
ACN 131 965 761
ABN 56 749 449 191
ANIMAL WELFARE NOT A PRIORITY FOR COALITION
RSPCA Victoria is appalled and disgusted by the Coalition’s announcement to invest in
the continuation of jumps racing should it be elected to government later this month.
The proposal would see an additional $2 million dollars invested into the industry over
four years, to boost prize money for jumps racing and attract more competitors.
Maria Mercurio, CEO of RSPCA Victoria said: ‘The Coalition has effectively announced
that it will be investing in animal cruelty, which is outrageous. Despite a series of so-
called improvements to conditions, we continued to see numerous injuries and horse
fatalities during jumps races. Forward thinking governments in other states have banned
or discontinued jumps racing in line with cruelty laws and community expectations,
however the Coalition’s endorsement of this activity sets the animal welfare movement
in Victoria back decades.”
The proposal also includes cash incentives to attract horses from other countries to
enter jumps competitions.
‘Encouraging more horses to enter jumps competitions is a disastrous idea, which will
ultimately lead to more horrific injuries and unnecessary deaths. Dr. Napthine’s
commitment to have KPI’s eased will see additional carnage on the race track. The
welfare of horses in Victoria will be compromised even further to appease a very small
minority of the community.
“It is an absolute joke that in the lead up to the State election, the Coalition would
make such a shocking announcement. The community will not stand for this as from
independent research, only 14% of Victorians actually support jumps racing.
“And while the Labor party has recently announced wide ranging animal welfare friendly
policies, unfortunately banning jumps racing was not included in their list of
commitments.
“Regardless of the party next elected to govern Victoria, the RSPCA will continue to
fight for a ban on jumps racing once and for all.”
NEWS 
