PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS TO OPPOSE HOUSE BILL 100

This bill requires monies currently dedicated and remitted directly to the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (LHBPA) , the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) , and the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association (LQHBPA) to be sent to the state treasurer for deposit in the newly created Horse Industry Economic Sustainability Fund (HIES Fund).

• This bill is unnecessary because it imposes oversight on these funds which is all ready in place.
• The transfer of monies to the HIES Fund places those monies rightfully generated from our industry operations ( wagering, slots, and video poker from other racing facilities) under someone else’s control and may subject those monies to disbursement to others outside of racing who don’t deserve to share in these proceeds.
• The bill also transfers monies that the LTBA and LQHBPA receive to promote programs in the breeding industry. The breeding industry has an enormous economic impact on Louisiana through Breeders’ awards, job creation, and spending.
• The bill attacks funds that support your benefit programs. Please note that these programs go a long way to provide benefits and help those on the racetrack who cannot afford to help themselves.

HB 100 will be heard in the House Appropriations Committee on MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2013 AT 9:00AM. Representative Joe Harrison is the author of the bill. You may view this bill by clicking here.

PLEASE DO NOT DELAY IN CONTACTING ANY MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE OR ANY LEGISLATORS TO VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 100 AS IT CAN BE DETRIMENTAL TO YOUR BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND PURSES!!

THE FOLLOWING LINK CONTAINS THE EMAIL ADDRESSES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE. PLEASE CONTACT THEM ASAP!!!!

Please click here for a full copy of this notice along with complete representative contact information

Click here to download a copy

PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL HBPA, Lexington, Kentucky
February 25, 2013

EXPERT VETERINARY PANEL ADDRESSES LASIX AND CALCIUM LOSS

At the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association’s recently concluded Winter Convention, a panel of expert veterinarians addressed the questions of calcium loss in horses as a result of the use of the anti-bleeding medication Lasix (furosemide), and the effectiveness of Lasix in treating EIPH.  The panel concluded that administration of Lasix has no adverse effects on horses and without doubt is effective in treating pulmonary bleeding.

Dr. Lawrence R. Bramlage, noted surgeon with Kentucky’s Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, started the discussion with a presentation on bone development and strength in race horses. Based on his experience and scientific studies Dr. Bramlage said Lasix does not affect bone strength nor does it cause circulatory dehydration at usual pre-race doses; Bramlage said he favors Lasix use because of its effectiveness in lessening pulmonary bleeding during a race, though he is mindful of the political questions it creates.

Dr. Thomas Tobin, Director of the University of Kentucky Graduate Center for Toxicology, followed with a toxicologist’s perspective. He concluded that Lasix was not likely to have any adverse effect because a single pre-race dose rapidly clears a horse’s system and its pharmacologic impact ends within an hour of administration. Tobin also stressed that unlike other medication Lasix is not metabolized by a horse.