ANIMAL WELFARE GROUP IMPRESSED WITH OLYMPIC FACILITIES
24 June 2008
Representatives of the Animal Welfare Advisory Group (AWAG) were impressed with the welfare and quarantine protocols that have been put in place for the Olympic equestrian events and with the Olympic venues and facilities provided by the Club on a visit to Sha Tin and Beas River today.
"It's very impressive", AWAG spokesperson Mr Chan Pui-tin said after visiting the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venues at Sha Tin and Beas River as part of the AWAG contingent. "Before I came here I had a lot of reservations, but now I've seen the facilities my confidence has increased dramatically. The welfare of the horses has been really well taken care of."
A group of six persons representing AWAG and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) were given tours of the venues by the Club's Head of Racing Operations and Olympic Project Business Manager, John Ridley, the Head of Veterinary Clinical Services and Olympic Veterinary Services Manager, Dr Chris Riggs, Consultant Regulatory Veterinarian and Olympic Quarantine Manager, Dr Keith Watkins and Olympic Stable Manager, Tony Shea.
"I envy the horses", Mr Chan Pui-tin said after seeing the six-star Olympic stabling complex in Sha Tin. "The facilities are really fascinating and the green concepts are really good too. The quarantine is also first class."
Mr Chan was joined by AWAG secretary Mr So Wai Ming and Group members Mr Sit Man-kong and Mr Yip Yuk Tat Alexander. Also joining the venues visit were AFCD Senior Veterinary Officer, Dr Ho Chin Ho Kenny, who is in charge of Olympic quarantine protocols, and Dr Richard Barry Bousfield, AFCD Senior Veterinarian/Quarantine 1.
The group will report back findings from the venues visit to AWAG Chairman Dr Timothy Ng.
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Photo 1:
Animal Welfare Advisory Group members visited the Olympic equestrian venues at Sha Tin and Beas River. Pictured at Beas River are (from left), Mr Chan Pui Tin, Dr Richard Barry Bousfield, Mr Sit Man Kong; Dr Ho Chin Ho Kenny and Mr So Wai Ming with the Club's Consultant Regulatory Veterinarian and Olympic Quarantine Manager, Dr Keith Watkins.
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Photo 2:
The Club's Head of Racing Operations and Olympic Project Business Manager, John Ridley, explains how horse welfare is a top priority at the Olympic equestrian venues.
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Photo 3:
Dr Chris Riggs, Head of Veterinary Clinical Services and Olympic Veterinary Services Manager, describes how misting fans will be used to cool horses down during the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events.
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Photo 4:
Dr Keith Watkins briefs the AWAG representatives on FEI welfare protocols in the dedicated Olympic Equine Clinic.
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Photo 5:
Olympic Stable Manager, Tony Shea, describes how horses will use the sand roll to relax after exercise.
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