Using electric prodders on horses was made a criminal offence as of August 1.

Following the Martin inquiry into animal cruelty in the management of retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses in Queensland the use of prodders will be regarded as an act of cruelty under changes to the Queensland animal welfare laws.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries said the changes were made to protect horses from unnecessary pain.

The inquiry was launched after an ABC 7.30 investigation in October last year about the ‘wastage’ of retired racehorses.

The report prompted the Queensland Government to conduct an independent inquiry into the management of retired racehorses, including the regulatory and oversight arrangements for abattoirs and knackeries and the transport of horses to those facilities.

The Government said the measures would strengthen the oversight and regulatory arrangements for abattoirs and knackeries and the transport of horses to those facilities. 

And would also promote good welfare outcomes for retired racing horses, and help protect jobs in the Queensland racing industry.