The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission’s 2022-23 Racing Animal Welfare (RAW) grants program opened for applications from July 1, 2022.

Applications are welcome until August 31, 2022, for animal welfare projects commencing January, 2023.

The RAW grants program supports the delivery of projects that promote and support the Commission’s animal welfare objectives including maximising the post-racing career opportunities for racing animals.

In the past three grants rounds the Commission has provided more than $200,000 to support not-for-profit organisations to fulfil their animal welfare projects.

Racing animal welfare has benefitted from a range of funded projects including education videos, events specifically run for off-the-track animals and welfare programs aimed at rehoming racing animals after their careers on the track.

A grant to the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences and School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland assisted in the development of an online learning module that encompasses important aspects of acquiring, assessing and re-educating retired racehorses.

The collation of high-quality information from active organisations, subject matter experts, equine specialist veterinarians and scientific literature raises the profile of alternative career opportunities for retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses and educate buyers.

The module for potential owners of retired racers is now available to view on the QRIC website.

This year the Commission has allocated a total pool of $70,000 under the RAW grants program, with eligible organisations able to receive up to $5000 per application (up to three applications are permitted for each organisation).

Successful grant applicants will be notified in mid-November, 2022, for projects to commence from January 1, 2023.

More information, including guidelines is available on the QRIC website.

Contact the QRIC Animal Welfare team on 1300 087 021 or email welfare@qric.qld.gov.au