For the second year in a row, Tasracing is thrilled to roll out the Racing Animal Welfare Grants (RAWG) program. This exciting initiative helps support eligible Tasmanian organisations in delivering projects that enhance animal welfare across our racing industry - especially designed for animals retiring from the track and starting fresh in new careers and loving homes, and aligning with the Tasracing priorities to support the welfare of:
- Tasmanian racing animals, and
- Those animals transitioning from racing into new careers and homes.
With a funding pool of $100,000 available, we welcomed a great mix of applications across two of the three grant categories.
A panel of three assessors evaluated 15 eligible applications and selected 9 successful applicants, awarding a total of $59,647.18 in funding.
Six (6) grants totalling $47,147.18 were approved in the Facilities & Equipment category – these projects will directly improve the lives of retired racing animals through upgrades and additions to their living environments.
Three (3) grants totalling $12,500.00 were awarded for Initiatives & Events – these creative programs will contribute towards high quality welfare outcomes for animals for retired racing animals.
For the first time this year, a well-known Tasmanian ancillary greyhound rehoming organisation was amongst the successful grant applicants, able to secure funding for their veterinary expenses.
The RAWG program underlines Tasracing’s commitment to racing animal welfare by:
- actively promoting awareness of appropriate retirement options for Tasmanian racing animals,
- stimulating demand for retired Tasmanian racing animals to maximise rehoming and retraining opportunities,
- maximising end-of-racing career opportunities for Tasmanian racing animals, and
- promoting industry uptake in Tasmania of advances in racing animal training, health and welfare.
Together with our grant recipient partners, we’re continuing to build a bright future for Tasmania’s racing animals - on and off the track.