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Former BEVA president joins organisation as welfare consultant
Findings have been published from an independent review of the strategy and policy of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), the official welfare charity for retired racehorses.
Jonny McIrvine, former chief executive of World Horse Welfare, carried out the review. He recommended the creation of the new role of welfare consultant. This position has been filled by Paul Jepson, former BEVA president and chief executive of the Horse Trust.
Mr Jepson will be the main liaison for RoR's supported and approved centres. Using his skills as a veterinary surgeon and former Government consultant on equine welfare, he will monitor vulnerable and unwanted horses and liaise with other welfare charities.
It was also recommended that RoR set up a "for sale" website and establish its own public auction with a recognised sales company, making it the "go to" organisation for people looking to rehome a retiring racehorse.
Mr McIrvine states in his report that the primary role of RoR's four centres must be caring for vulnerable and unwanted horses.
In addition, the charity was advised to expand its current competition and events programme, as well as regional activities including education programmes. It should also improve the geographical spacing of its approved centres and procure more suitably equipped locations.
RoR chairman Paul Roy, said: "I would like to thank Jonny McIrvine for compiling such a comprehensive and constructive report…
"The implementation phase has already commenced and we are confident that the review will help set the strategic direction for the charity over the next five to ten years."
For a summary of key findings visit: www.ror.org.uk
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