Proposal Description: The New Jersey Racing Commission is proposing new rules designed to protect harness race horses from the impermissible application of shock wave therapy which, when administered properly, can have legitimate medicinal  benefits for horses. The first of the two proposed new rules --N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.17 – will regulate the administration of shock wave therapy and establish conditions that must be fulfilled in order for a horse to permissibly receive shock wave therapy treatments. The rule defines the term “shock wave therapy” and explains the types of therapies and treatments regulated by the proposed rule.

The second of the proposed rules – N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.17A – proposes penalties for violations of N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.17. Due to the analgesic effects resulting from treatment with shock wave therapy, a horse with a compromising injury may not feel the pain or weakness associated with that injury.

 Should a horse compete or train while under such analgesic effects, it could cause great harm to itself or to other horses participating in the race or training session, as well as the horse’s jockey or exercise rider, and any other horses or riders on the track.

Summary of Proposal: A summary of the rule proposed for readoption is posted on the New Jersey Racing Commission Web site at: www.nj.gov/oag/racing/proposed.html
                                                           
Public Comment: Public comment on the proposed rule will be accepted until June 30, 2017. Please direct all comments to:

Frank Zanzuccki, Executive Director
Department of Law and Public Safety
New Jersey Racing Commission
P.O. Box 088
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0088
E-mail: NJRCWebinfo@lps.state.nj.us

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