Racehorses in Britain to be signed out of meals chain from 2022 as BHA broadcasts new guidelines following Panorama documentary

All racehorses in Britain will probably be signed out of the human meals chain from 2022, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has introduced.

The rule change, which comes three months after a BBC Panorama investigation into the slaughter of horses, will imply horses can’t be despatched to abattoirs in alternate for cash to be slaughtered for meals.

From January 1, any horses entered to run won’t be accepted until it has been declared as not meant for human consumption by way of the horse’s passport.

The Panorama investigation, entitled The Darkish Facet of Horse Racing, broadcast covert footage filmed inside one of many UK’s greatest abattoirs – which it’s claimed confirmed guidelines surrounding the slaughter of horses being breached.

The BHA’s director of equine well being and welfare, James Given, stated: “The game’s Veterinary Committee made the choice to exclude racehorses who run in Britain from the meals chain in January of this yr.

“It was subsequently put out to session with the racing {industry} previous to being permitted by the Guidelines Committee and eventually by the BHA Board in September.

“British racing has in place a euthanasia code of follow to help trainers and house owners with end-of-life choices. The steerage is obvious that every time doable, euthanasia needs to be carried out at residence or in appropriate environment.

“The transporting of horses to an abattoir to be offered for consumption shouldn’t, for my part, be classed as euthanasia and isn’t an method that we must always tolerate in our sport, which is why a rule stopping this follow is a optimistic step.

“I’m assured that the majority British trainers and house owners agree with me on this and already observe this precept.”

In an announcement, the BHA added that it’s “liaising with worldwide jurisdictions and analyzing EU laws relating to the sensible implementation of this Rule to incorporate all worldwide runners”.

British rules imply all racehorses may also be banned from coming into the animal meals chain.