The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association announces support for oversight of drug testing and enforcement in Thoroughbred racing by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

The Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity has announced that the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA) will join the Coalition in its advocacy efforts to protect the health and well-being of Thoroughbred racehorses. Alongside Coalition members The Jockey Club, the Water Hay Oats Alliance, Breeders’ Cup, and the Humane Society of the United States, HSVMA has affirmed its support for national oversight of uniform medication standards.

“It is time to rein in the excessive use of racehorse medication and finally modernize the state-by-state patchwork regulatory system in place today,” said Barry Kellogg, VMD, senior veterinary advisor for HSVMA. “With a uniform standards, testing and oversight, veterinarians who devote their careers to the welfare and humane care of racehorses can be confident that the system will work in the best interest of the animals.”

The Coalition will work with Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) and other lawmakers to bring long-needed reforms to medication administration, testing and enforcement in competitive horse racing. It is the first group to draw the active support of the horse racing industry’s diverse membership – a distinction largely earned in response to its commitment to the health and well-being of Thoroughbred horses.

Additional information, including stories from supporters and ways to contact congressional members to express support for this legislation, is available at www.horseracingintegrity.com.

(Posted on behalf of the Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity.)