Toronto, ON – The efforts of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) to combat the use of illegal and non-therapeutic drugs in race horses is receiving international recognition.
The US based National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) has awarded the ORC a $10,000 grant to help fund its ongoing medication control program. The funds will be used by the Equine Medication Control and Drug Task Force for specialized training, equipment, and for building partnerships with other investigative organizations.
NADDI is a unique organization whose members are responsible for investigating and prosecuting pharmaceutical drug diversion. The organization has proven to be a valuable asset to law enforcement, the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory organization. The ORC joined NADDI in November, 2004.
The Task Force, operating under the auspices of the ORC Investigations Unit, is expanding the medication control initiatives at the request of the horse racing community. It’s a program supported by everyone in the racing community and reinforces the message to all racing fans, as well as the general public, that they can have full and complete confidence in the integrity of the sport.
The health of the horse and the integrity of the industry are of the utmost importance to Ontario’s horse racing community. This initiative also will continue to send a strong message that the acquisition, possession and administration of illegal and non-therapeutic drugs by a small number of individuals will not be tolerated by the thousands of caring and professional people who make up this community.
The ORC acts in the public interest to govern, direct, control and regulate the horse racing industry in Ontario and to ensure public confidence in the honesty and integrity of the industry.
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