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Anabolic steroid policy on course for March
“We are naturally pleased to have reached consensus with all parties regarding the outstanding issues."
Clarification and consensus reached with key stakeholders

An enhanced, zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of anabolic steroids in horseracing is on course for March 2, 2015 the British Horseracing Authority has announced.

The announcement follows clarification and consensus being reached with the National Trainers Federation (NTF), Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA), and the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) on certain elements relating to the revised policy.  

These issues led to a short delay in the policy's introduction, from January to March, and included the definition of "responsible person" - ie. the individual with the responsibility for ensuring that a horse is not administered with an anabolic steroid.

Jamie Stier, Director of Raceday Operations and Regulation for BHA, said: “The implementation of an entirely new and far reaching set of anti-doping Rules has been a complex process. We thank the ROA, NTF and TBA for their input throughout this process and their support for the principles behind the enhanced policy and the decision to delay the implementation.

“We are naturally pleased to have reached consensus with all parties regarding the outstanding issues and, while it was disappointing not to implement the policy on January 1, it was certainly the right decision not to rush the introduction of the Rules until consensus was reached.”

The policy aims to ensure that British Racing remains at the helm of tackling an issue that ranks amongst the biggest threats faced by all international sports.

Key elements of the policy include: that a racehorse must never be administered with an anabolic steroid at any time from birth to retirement; greater powers for BHA in terms of access for testing registered horses; the requirement for horses to be registered from a younger age, and for BHA to be aware of their whereabouts at all times; a more stringent 14 months stand-down period for horses found to have been administered with anabolic steroids; and greater controls on horses running in Great Britain from international jurisdictions.

BHA say that they will be releasing further details regarding the implementation of new rules ahead of the implementation date.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.