RSPCA Victoria
Media Release
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Victoria)
ACN 131 965 761
ABN 56 749 449 191
Jumps racing ban revoked – RSPCA says you’ve got to be joking!
Melbourne, 21 January 2010: RSPCA Victoria is appalled by Racing Victoria Limited’s
(RVL) announcement to reneg on its commitment to end jumps racing at the end of the
2010 season.
Dr. Hugh Wirth, President, RSPCA Victoria said: “Racing Victoria’s so called commitment
to the welfare of horses was obviously a complete farce. RVL’s CEO, Rob Hines, publicly
admitted that despite exhaustive reviews and additional safety measures implemented
the injury rates to both horses and jockeys continue to increase. The RSPCA fails to see
how any of RVL’s reasons to end jumps racing has changed in seven weeks. New
conditions that indicate that the death of five horses in the 2010 season is ‘acceptable’
are downright disgusting. It is a complete joke that this body that has had the chance to
show real leadership, has succumbed to what can only be described as pandering to a
minority stakeholder.”
“The majority of the community supports a ban on jumps racing, something the RVL
board reported as another factor when it reached its original decision. This complete
turn-around shows up RVL as incompetent when supposedly acting in the best interest of
horse welfare and the Victorian racing industry. The industry as a whole will be
affected by the backlash of from this disastrous ruling. It makes a complete mockery of
animal welfare and racing in Victoria.”
The RSPCA believes that by encouraging more failed flat horses to enter jumps racing to
boost revenue is negligent. The increase in the number of horses that are not bred for
this purpose participating will inevitably lead to even more injuries and falls.
“You can bet on the RSPCA appealing to the state government to take action and
intensifying its campaign to have jumps racing banned once and for all. As Rob Hines
boldly stated to the media; the issue is not if jumps racing will cease, but when,” Dr.
Wirth added.
For more information, or interview requests, please contact
Tim Pilgrim
RSPCA Victoria
Media Coordinator
P: 0425 787 243
E: tpilgrim@rspcavic.org.au
NEWS 
