NSW Supreme Court grants injunction to racing veterinarians

Today the Supreme Court of New South Wales granted an injunction to five equine veterinarians providing service to thoroughbreds in training for racing.

The five equine veterinarians applied for a delay in the 15 January 2014 implementation date of the Racing NSW scheme to license veterinarians treating thoroughbred racehorses in training.

The judge ruled in favour of the five equine veterinarians, the plaintiffs in the case. They will not be required to be licensed to treat thoroughbred racehorses in training until the full case is argued on 4 February 2014.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) welcomed the decision.

“Our members remain adamantly opposed to the proposed licensing regime,” said AVA President, Dr Ben Gardiner.

“It conflicts with their obligations under the Veterinary Practice Act and establishes a second unnecessary licensing regime.

“Veterinarians are already licensed and regulated by the NSW Veterinary Practitioners’ Board.”

The NSW Veterinary Practitioners’ Board and Racing NSW are currently negotiating to reach a solution that does not involve an additional licence for veterinarians.

“The AVA has always sought a negotiated alternative and we remain optimistic that agreement can be reached by 15 January 2014,” Dr Gardiner said.