A video from 2023 showing a jockey hitting a horse at Assiniboia Downs racetrack in Winnipeg has sparked calls from Animal Justice, an animal law advocacy group, for increased surveillance in private stables to protect equine welfare. The jockey was charged with animal cruelty, though charges were later stayed, and received a court order limiting their contact with animals outside work. Animal Justice’s legal director, Kaitlyn Mitchell, emphasized the need for mandatory security cameras in stables to deter abuse and allow regulators to monitor conduct more effectively.

Assiniboia Downs stated they take horse safety seriously, highlighting existing security measures such as controlled barn access, daily patrols, and veterinary inspections. However, Animal Justice argues that enhanced surveillance, similar to measures in other provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, is necessary to prevent abuse and improve transparency. The article notes that surveillance regulations vary across Canada, with some provinces lacking specific stable camera requirements despite emphasizing horse welfare and race integrity.