Erie County Times

The Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission plans to implement a hotline to 'fulfill its mission to oversee the sport.'

The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission launched an Integrity Hotline. The hotline is to report suspected illegal or unethical behavior at any of the six racetracks in Pennsylvania. People can report the tips anonymously and there are no fixed reporting hours. All they have to do is leave a detailed message at (717) 787-1942.

"The Integrity Hotline is one of many strides the commission has taken since 2016 to fulfill its mission to oversee the sport and protect the health and safety of horses that race in Pennsylvania," Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. "The hotline as well as the Equine Safety and Welfare Plan measures taking effect today represent tangible progress and demonstrate the commission's commitment to using every tool at its disposal to further the integrity and safety of the sport."

Commission staff will follow up to find out whether official action by the commission or track management is warranted. The staff is required to refer the call to the concerned entity with jurisdiction in case the issue reported does not fall under the authority of the commission. 

For convenience, the hotline is posted at locations throughout each racetrack, in public areas, as well as barns and backside locations accessible only to licensees. Apart from this, the number will also be published in racing programs, on the commission's webpages at agriculture.pa.gov and also on each racetrack's website. Several Harness Racing events are held during county and local fairs across the state, and to raise awareness, the hotline will also be posted during these events. 

Anyone who witnesses suspicious behavior surrounding potential racing violations and the treatment and care of horses is advised to call the number and leave a message detailing the incident. This includes the time, date, location, actions witnessed and other relevant information that might help.