Article: Littleproud gives support to thoroughbred welfare initiative

The Australian thoroughbred sector’s push for a national approach to equine welfare has earned the significant support of the Federal Government following the formation of an industry-funded taskforce to make recommendations aimed at ensuring the long-term health and wellbeing of retired horses.

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, who is also deputy leader of The Nationals, yesterday welcomed the establishment of the Independent Working Group (IWG) panel, whose terms of reference will be determined by an industry steering committee.

Having written to state counterparts about the issue ahead of next week’s Agriculture Ministers’ Forum calling for their support of the outcomes of IWG, Littleproud said “Australians want the racing industry to uphold high welfare standards”…