Section 75-2.023 - Animal Welfare(1) A permitholder shall ensure that:(a) All stables and barns are inspected by the local fire marshal at least every 24 months for compliance with local fire safety code and that documentation of compliance is maintained;(b) All stables and barns are equipped with smoke and/or temperature alarms and at least one fire extinguisher that has a current annual inspection tag that bears the date of the last inspection;(c) Lighting in the stables and barns is kept in working order at all times;(d) All of the permitholders' cleaning supplies and pesticides are stored in areas separate from food and bedding intended for racing animals;(e) Areas where racing animals are kept are ventilated by means of doors, windows, vents, or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC);(f) All occupied stables and barns are free from insects and rodents by establishing a maintenance program for the prevention of insects and rodents;(g) All hazards that could harm a racing animal are removed from the track surface and rails prior to use of the track;(h) Access to the backside where racing animals are kept is restricted to occupational licensees or other persons authorized pursuant to Rule 75-5.005, F.A.C.; and(i) The racing secretary, judge, or a permitholder's representative completes a weekly documented walk-through of each occupied barn and stable.(2) A hauler or driver who transports racing animals shall be required to possess a pari-mutuel occupational license.(3) No person shall contract for the transportation of a racing animal with anyone who does not possess a pari-mutuel wagering occupational license.(4) A horseracing trainer shall ensure that: (a) Feed intended for racing animals (other than hay) is stored in such a manner that it is protected from contamination, spoilage, or infestation;(b) All horses entered to race be on time for a pre-race veterinary inspection to ensure racing soundness; and(c) The commission is notified within 18 hours of the death of any racehorse that occurred on the grounds of a horse track or training facility. The notification shall contain at least the following information: 1. Track/facility where death occurred;3. Horse registered name;5. Reporting person's name and telephone number;6. Stable name, address, and telephone number;7. Trainer's name and telephone number;8. Location of deceased animal.(5) No part of a horse's leg may be desensitized on the day the horse is scheduled to race. "Desensitized" means a condition in which a horse's body does not respond appropriately to pre-race tests for feeling administered by the track veterinarian. A horse that has been desensitized in violation of this rule is ineligible to race.(6) The track veterinarian shall report to the stewards the date, time, condition, rider, and name of any horse which the track veterinarian reasonably suspects has been overworked or abused.(7) A racing animal that has been declared medically unsound to race by another racing jurisdiction shall not be eligible or entered to race until it has been examined and declared sound for racing by the track veterinarian who shall consult with the veterinarian that originally declared the racing animal to be medically unsound, unless the original veterinarian is unavailable, then a good faith effort to contact must be documented.Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 75-2.023
Rulemaking Authority 550.0251(3), 550.2415(12) FS. Law Implemented 550.0251(11), 550.105(2)(a)3., 550.2415(6), (9) FS.
New 5-21-13, Formerly 61D-2.023, Amended by Florida Register Volume 50, Number 249, December 24, 2024 effective 1/8/2025.New 5-21-13, Formerly 61D-2.023.