On the eve of improved welfare measures regarding the use of the whip in horse racing, the industry welfare regulator, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has succumbed to pressure from jockeys which will allow them to continue beating horses in the forceful forehand position.
This last-minute U-turn comes after an extensive industry led public consultation, initiated by Animal Aid’s campaigning, on the use of the whip in racing. Of the twenty new measures that were to be implemented next week, starting 9 January 2023, the most important aspect of the new welfare measures has been dropped.
Says, Animal Aid’s Horse Racing Consultant, Dene Stansall:
