The irresponsible use of the whip is completely unacceptable. I would encourage anyone with evidence that a racehorse has suffered unnecessarily from being whipped to report it to the local authority. I welcome the fact that the independent body responsible for regulating the sport, the British Horseracing Association (BHA), works closely with stakeholders - including animal welfare charities - to ensure that the highest welfare standards are upheld. Consequently, Britain is regarded as having one of the best regulated racing environments in the world.
Currently, the BHA requires that whips used in horse racing be used responsibly, for safety reasons and only to encourage the horse. This policy was drawn up in consultation with animal welfare groups and includes a threshold on the number of times the whip can be used before racing stewards can consider an inquiry. If the rules are broken, the jockey can be banned from racing for a number of days, depending on the seriousness of the offence.
I welcome the creation of the racing industry's Horse Welfare Board, which includes members from across the racing industry, vets and animal health and welfare experts. The board is committed to making the sport safer and I am encouraged by the publication of its five-year horse welfare strategy.
This strategy recommended that, as a minimum, the penalties for misuse of the whip need to increase and that the BHA should conduct a consultation on the use of the whip. Now that the first part of the consultation, a public online questionnaire, has taken place, the BHA will conduct a series of focus groups. They will further assess viewpoints and gather qualitative data.
I agree that everything possible must be done to assure the safety and welfare of racehorses and I am assured that ministers and officials are in regular contact with the BHA about this.