As you are aware there is pressure on our industry to be accountable to the public, and we have been under increasing scrutiny, therefore we welcome the introduction of the new rule regarding 30-day foal notification.
An important part of NZTR’s thoroughbred welfare mandate is understanding where our horses are, from birth to death.
The new rule regarding 30-day foal notification has been brought in specifically to deal with the “birth” aspect. Up until now the first NZTR knew of the existence of a foal was when Mare Returns were filed (by 28 February) at which stage the foal could be six months old. NZTR now requires notification of a foal’s existence within 30 days of its birth. This can be done online through your Breeders’ Service Centre and there is no fee associated.
There is still a requirement to file a Mare Return and this can be done at the same time as you complete your foal notification. Payment for Mare Returns is still required by 28 February at which stage the foal is registered.
Should a foal die between notification and registration you are able to change this in the Breeders’ Centre to reflect “foal died.” If a foal dies once it is registered, then an SR24 must be filed. The SR24 is also available via the Breeders’ Service Centre and there is no charge for the completion and filing of these.
Attached is a summary of the rules related to the 30-day foal notification and any queries can be directed to studbook@nztr.co.nz
