NYGSC to Review Equine Welfare Rules
Description:
New York regulators say they will be looking at new equine welfare rules being imposed at Santa Anita Park following the deaths of 22 horses at the Southern California track since Dec. 26.
New York State Gaming Commission officials say they want to examine the protocols and procedures recently announced by The Stronach Group, owners of Santa Anita.
The issue came up at the end of the Gaming Commission's meeting March 25; the issue was not listed as an item on the agenda but was raised by board member John Crotty as a new issue for the panel.
Santa Anita, set to re-open Friday, has added a number of new procedures, including the addition of an equine welfare director and supplementary veterinarians and requiring trainers to apply at least 24 hours in advance for permission to work a horse.
The Santa Anita issue was discussed for about one minute at the New York agency's board meeting.
"It would make sense for the New York State Gaming Commission to look at the number of proposals they put out (at Santa Anita) and determine which if these we are currently doing, which of these are we are not doing, and what makes sense as part of an overall regulatory scheme,'' Crotty said.
The agency's acting executive director, Rob Williams, said a review of the Santa Anita measures will be undertaken. "We look forward to seeing that,'' Crotty said.
The Gaming Commission board, which regulates all gambling-related activities in New York, including Thoroughbred racing, is set to meet again April 29; it's uncertain if the matter will be taken up at that gathering.