Prayers for Robbie Allen

It is reported that Robbie Allen was coaching at Werribee Park when the student fell off. Robbie went to collect the horse reached for the reins and it spun and got him in the face with both back legs. He is in the Alfred, with severe facial injuries and concussion. Our well wishes and prayers go out to Robbie and his family.

Parkes show dilemma over equine debacle

SECOND time lucky. Well maybe. Parkes Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association secretary, Kaye Bird, is frustrated a grant application to regain expenses after the equine influenza outbreak was knocked back.

For committee members of Parkes Show, it’s a do or go bust effort to regain some of the expense incurred for doing the right thing and stopping their 2007 show because of the Equine Influenza outbreak.

Parkes was the only three-day show in the state which voluntarily closed its gates to horse entry or departure more than 24 hours before NSW Primary Industries officials declared the showground a quarantine area and cancelled the event last August.

Horses that had arrived early, including a truck load from Sydney’s Centennial Park, were included in the lockdown which lasted for some 50 days.

Callinan report finalised

SYDNEY – Ian Callinan, the Commissioner of the Inquiry into the equine influenza (EI) outbreak in Australia, has provided his report to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke.

The Commissioner was appointed by the previous Government in September, 2007 to investigate the outbreak of EI.

He was asked to report on the circumstances contributing to the outbreak of the disease and on the need for any strengthened biosecurity procedures for the quarantine management of imported horses.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said he would consider Justice Callinan’s report and findings in detail before providing a public response.

“I will take the time needed to thoroughly review the report before making any comment or decision on the recommendations.

“It is my intention that the report will be publicly released once it has been considered by the Government.”

The Government will consult with a range of industry sectors on the future handling of imported horses, including the racing, breeding and recreational sectors.
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