Could it be… Is Racing Victoria taking animal welfare seriously? Or is this simply a PR tactic to make an industry that is under increasing scrutiny appear responsible.

As we have seen in recent years, horseracing has been copping a flogging (much like the horses on the finish line) on issues ranging from jumps racing, to whipping animals, and even illegal drugging. So it’s about time that Racing Victoria does/appears to do something.

The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses has been giving Racing Victoria free advice on animal welfare for three years, but maybe they just don’t want to hear it from us?

Nevertheless, congratulations to Cara Shelley who has been appointed as Racing Victoria’s Equine Welfare Officer. Let’s hope that she takes her job seriously and brings about some positive change for the animals who have been without a voice until now.

Interesting really…in the 150-year history of horseracing, Racing Victoria has decided to employ a welfare officer in 2011.