On-site Humane Euthanasia Program

The purpose of the On-site Humane Euthanasia Program – Equine (the OHEP) is to support the provision of appropriate end-of-life care for eligible retired racehorses in circumstances where the attending veterinarian considers euthanasia to be the most appropriate course of action and the owner(s) of the horse are unable to afford veterinary euthanasia services.

In such circumstances, the OHEP enables veterinarians who provide euthanasia services to seek reimbursement, up to a prescribed amount, for eligible euthanasia expenses for eligible horses. 

In supporting the provision of on-site end-of-life care in such cases, the OHEP also aims to reduce the incidence of retired racehorses being sent to saleyards or abattoirs/knackeries in circumstances where, in the opinion of the attending veterinarian, on-site euthanasia at the horse’s usual location would provide a better welfare outcome for the horse.

The decision to euthanise a horse is made by the owner(s), in consultation with their veterinarian.

Horses owned by, or in the care of, licensed or registered racing industry participants, including racing owners, are not eligible horses under the OHEP.

Industry participants are subject to specific obligations in relation to equine welfare pursuant to the Australian Rules of Racing and the Australian Racing Harness Rules. 

Only veterinarians attending to and subsequently euthanasing eligible horses may apply for reimbursement under the OHEP. To obtain an OHEP application form, the veterinarian must email the Queensland Off-The-Track Program (QOTT) at offthetrack@racingqueensland.com.au.  

Veterinarians are welcome to contact QOTT via telephone on (07) 3869 9777 (select option 6) or via email at offthetrack@racingqueensland.com.au to confirm eligibility of a horse for the OHEP.  

 Click on the button below to find out more about the OHEP.

On-site Humane Euthanasia Program (OHEP)