61D-2.023. Animal Welfare

(1) A permitholder shall ensure that:

(a) All stables, barns, or kennels are inspected by the local fire marshal at least every 24 months for compliance with local fire safety code and that documentation of compliance is maintained;

(b) All stables, barns, or kennels are equipped with smoke and/or temperature alarms and at least one fire extinguisher that has a current annual inspection tag that bears the date of the last inspection;

(c) Lighting in the stables, barns, or kennels is kept in working order at all times;

(d) All of the permitholders’ cleaning supplies and pesticides are stored in areas separate from food and bedding intended for racing animals;

(e) Areas where racing animals are kept are ventilated by means of doors, windows, vents, or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC);

(f) All occupied stables, barns, and kennels are free from insects and rodents by establishing a maintenance program for the prevention of insects and rodents;

(g) All hazards that could harm a racing animal are removed from the track surface and rails prior to use of the track;

(h) Access to the backside where racing animals are kept is restricted to occupational licensees or other persons authorized pursuant to Rule 61D-5.005, F.A.C.; and

(i) The racing secretary, judge, or a permitholder’s representative completes a weekly documented walk-through of each occupied barn, stable, or kennel.

(2) A greyhound racing permitholder shall ensure that:

(a) A shaded area is provided for parking at the facility for greyhound transport trucks that are used to bring racing greyhounds to and from the track for racing;

(b) A cool-down pool and/or water hose to cool down greyhounds is provided post race and during official and unofficial schooling events;

(c) Sprint paths:

1. Are surrounded by a chain link fence at least four feet in height;

2. Are free of broken or protruding wires or obstructions;

3. Have a smooth surface which is made of dirt or sand or a mixture of the two; and

4. Have drainage sufficient to prevent standing water.

(d) Turnout pens:

1. Are free of broken or protruding wires or obstructions;

2. Have gates that connect to the other pens;

3. Have at least a 10-foot overhang from the building;

4. Are surrounded by a fence at least six feet high;

5. Have working water spigots;

6. Have drainage sufficient to prevent standing water; and

7. Have sand of an average depth of four inches.

(e) Kennel crates:

1. Are a minimum of two feet wide, three feet long and 32 inches high; and

2. Are maintained so that they are free of broken or protruding wires or rust, and constructed of metal and are movable to protect the greyhounds from injury; and

3. Have a latch.

(3) A greyhound racing trainer shall ensure that:

(a) They or a designee are available for kennel inspections daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. by division personnel;

(b) Food supplies and bedding materials are stored in such a manner that they are protected from contamination, spoilage, or infestation;

(c) Bowls, dishes, and other containers used for feeding and watering are cleaned and disinfected daily;

(d) Muzzles worn by racing greyhounds are made of plastic or padded wire and are not worn, broken, or rusted;

(e) All turnout pens and sprint paths are free of debris and trash, and maintained in a sanitary environment prior to use by greyhounds;

(f) No more than one greyhound shall be contained in each crate within the kennel;

(g) Crates are sanitized at least once daily, or more frequently as necessary, in order to maintain a sanitary environment;

(h) Greyhounds are provided with clean, fresh water in the exercise areas, kennels, and turn-out pens; and

(i) Kennel crates with broken or protruding wires or rust are reported to the permitholder upon discovery;

(j) A roster is maintained to identify each racing greyhound housed in the kennel. The roster shall contain the following information:

1. Initial date of arrival;

2. Name and tattoo number of the racing greyhound;

3. Owner’s name;

4. Trainer’s name;

5. Kennel name;

6. Date of departure from the kennel; and

7. Name and license number of person transporting the racing greyhound.

(k) The division is notified within 18 hours of the death of any racing greyhound that occurred on the grounds of a greyhound track or kennel compound. The notification shall contain at least the following information:

1. Track/facility where death occurred;

2. Incident date/time;

3. Greyhound registered name;

4. Tattoo numbers;

5. Reporting person’s name and telephone number;

6. Kennel operator, address, and telephone number;

7. Trainer’s name and telephone number;

8. Location of deceased animal.

(4) A hauler or driver who transports racing animals shall be required to possess a pari-mutuel occupational license.

(5) No person shall contract for the transportation of a racing animal with anyone who does not possess a pari-mutuel wagering occupational license.

(6) The greyhound trainer of record shall be responsible for physically inspecting the greyhounds in their care for sores, cuts, abrasions, muzzle burns, fleas and ticks, and providing food on a daily basis.

(7) A horseracing trainer shall ensure that:

(a) Feed intended for racing animals (other than hay) is stored in such a manner that it is protected from contamination, spoilage, or infestation;

(b) All horses entered to race be on time for a pre-race veterinary inspection to ensure racing soundness; and

(c) The division is notified within 18 hours of the death of any racehorse that occurred on the grounds of a horse track or training facility. The notification shall contain at least the following information:

1. Track/facility where death occurred;

2. Incident date/time;

3. Horse registered name;

4. Tattoo number;

5. Reporting person’s name and telephone number;

6. Stable name, address, and telephone number;

7. Trainer’s name and telephone number;

8. Location of deceased animal.

(8) No part of a horse’s leg may be desensitized on the day the horse is scheduled to race. “Desensitized” means a condition in which a horse’s body does not respond appropriately to pre-race tests for feeling administered by the track veterinarian. A horse that has been desensitized in violation of this rule is ineligible to race.

(9) The track veterinarian shall report to the stewards the date, time, condition, rider, and name of any horse which the track veterinarian reasonably suspects has been overworked or abused.

(10) A racing animal that has been declared medically unsound to race by another racing jurisdiction shall not be eligible or entered to race until it has been examined and declared sound for racing by the track veterinarian who shall consult with the veterinarian that originally declared the racing animal to be medically unsound, unless the original veterinarian is unavailable, then a good faith effort to contact must be documented.

Rulemaking Authority 550.0251(3), 550.2415(12) FS. Law Implemented 550.0251(11), 550.105(2)(a)3., 550.2415(6), (9) FS. History–New 5-21-13.