Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 45, November 9, 2024
Section 305.221 - General authority and duties(a) The racetrack track veterinarian may be present at the starting gate and may visually inspect each entrant. If, in the opinion of the racetrack veterinarian, prior to the starting gate dispatching the horses, a horse is not in condition to compete in that race, the racetrack veterinarian shall immediately notify the Stewards or the Commission Veterinarian of the horse's condition.(b) The racetrack veterinarian shall be attendant on the Stewards and the racing secretary at scratch time each morning, and shall examine the horse that they request, and make reports to the racing officials as promptly as possible.(c) The racetrack veterinarians shall be an employee of the licensed racing entity and shall: (1) Be directly responsible to the Commission Veterinarian;(2) Be a graduate veterinarian and be licensed to practice in this Commonwealth;(3) Be present at the starting gate until the horses are dispatched from the gate for the race;(4) Inspect any horse which appears in physical distress during the race or at the finish of the race; and shall report the horse together with a written opinion as to the cause of the distress to the Stewards and to the Commission Veterinarian;(5) Refrain from directly treating or prescribing for any horse scheduled to participate during his/her term of appointment at any recognized meeting except in cases of emergency, accident or injury;(6) Be authorized to humanely destroy any horse deemed to be so seriously injured that it is in the best interests of the horse to so act;(7) Perform any other veterinarian function deemed necessary and appropriate as directed by the Commission Veterinarian, the Commission or the racetrack's employer.