RCS2015#47 – Makes cruelty rules more comprehensive

To make the current Cruelty rules more comprehensive, including improper or damaged equipment that may cause the equine pain or injury and adding protections to avoid the use of equines deemed unfit to compete
2015 RCS #
47
Summary
To make rules regarding cruelty more comprehensive
Date Received
20May14
Proponent
Ruthie Graves
Change Date
2015
Status
Open for comments – 25May14; Not recommended 14Oct14
Activity
Initial Posting: 25May14

Current Wording – GRArticle4

4.1 Cruelty to or the abuse of any animal by any person at a recognized competition is forbidden and an offender is subject to disqualification. Management shall bar violators from further participation for the remainder of the competition and report the incident to the ADS for any further disciplinary action deemed in order. The following acts are included under the words Cruelty and Abuse but are not limited thereto: Excessive use of a whip on any horse in a stall, runway, schooling area, competition ring or elsewhere on the competition grounds, before or during a competition, by any person. Except in emergency situations, any striking of the horse’s head (on the poll and forward of the poll) with the whip shall be deemed excessive.

Suggested Wording

4.1 Cruelty to or the abuse of any animal by any person at a recognized competition is forbidden and an offender is subject to disqualification. Management shall bar violators from further participation for the remainder of the competition and report the incident to the ADS for any further disciplinary action deemed in order. The following acts are included under the words Cruelty and Abuse but are not limited thereto:

a) Excessive use of a whip or other instrument on any horse in a stall, runway, schooling area, competition ring or elsewhere on the competition grounds, before or during a competition, by any person. Except in emergency situations, any striking of the horse’s head (on the poll and forward of the poll) with the whip or other instrument shall be deemed excessive.

b) The use of poor fitting or poorly constructed or broken equipment, including but not limited to, vehicles, harness and bits.

c) Driving horses in a debilitated or exhausted condition.

d) The use of severe or badly fitted bits.

e)  Any other action or condition which, in the opinion of a Veterinarian, Judge or Technical Delegate, is causing or will cause distress to a horse.

Reason for change

To make the current Cruelty rules more comprehensive, including improper or damaged equipment that may cause the equine pain or injury and adding protections to avoid the use of equines deemed unfit to compete

1 Response(s)

  1. MichaelRidge says :

    July 5, 2014

    I’d oppose this rule change proposal. It seems to want to use the rule as a catchall rather focusing on cruelty not elsewhere addressed. Adding these items may make it appear as if this rule can be used to sanction any equipment or action and dilute its actual effect.

    It adds bits when there is already a rule about types of bits. Most pleasure class rules already address the fit and condition of equipment and horses. Combined Driving certainly addresses the issue of horse condition in specific rules.

    This change really adds nothing and may subvert the actual purpose.

Comments are closed.