UK / AGILITYPR.NEWS / June 10, 2021 / World Horse Welfare welcomes the Government’s proposed ban on export for slaughter included in its latest animal welfare bill under its Action Plan for Animal Welfare, which had its first reading on Tuesday (8^th June). The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill includes legislative proposals on live exports for slaughter and livestock worrying, which are both relevant to equines. The charity cautions, however, that to be enforceable these laws will need to be underpinned by a fully digital system of equine identification.

Improving welfare during transport for equines destined for slaughter is the founding issue of World Horse Welfare and Roly Owers, Chief Executive, said: “Where equines are to be slaughtered, we believe that this should happen as close to their point of origin as possible. By their very nature, equines transported to slaughter may be more susceptible to health and welfare risks on long journeys. For this reason, a ban on movements for slaughter out of Great Britain is excellent news.”

But he warned “In reality, nothing will change until we have a fully digitised system of equine identification and traceability of horse movements. There have been no declarations of equines being exported for slaughter from Great Britain for many years, but horses and ponies are exported for a variety of reasons and there is no way to guarantee that a horse declared as being exported for another purpose will not go directly for meat. Until there is full traceability within and outside of the UK it is not possible to know where exported horses end up.”

Many equines that are being transported under the radar are also not being declared as commercial movements. This means some transporters are not complying with welfare during transport legislation, which applies only to commercial transporters, and equines are being transported long-distance in often cramped conditions. An effective and reliable equine ID and traceability system is vital to help tackle the grey area of transporters falsely identifying as not for slaughter or not commercial slipping under the radar at border crossings. Appropriate checks and the resources available to undertake them are also needed to enable the new legislation to be enforceable.

World Horse Welfare also welcomes the section on livestock worrying of animals in England and Wales. Attacks on horses by out-of-control dogs is a worrying problem for owners and riders and the new legislation will confer additional powers on the police, allowing them to identify owners and their animals and take action. The legislation includes more than what is traditionally considered as agricultural land, so covers when horses are grazing in a variety of situations, such as on allotments, or are on roads and paths, which is a positive development for equines and their riders when out hacking.

The bill will now require further readings in parliament before being set into law. Further bills based on the Government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare are expected in the coming months.

 ENDS 

Note to editors 

For more information please call Su Delve on 01953 497248, 07826 871682 or email sudelve@worldhorsewelfare.org  

About World Horse Welfare:  

Visit our website here: www.worldhorsewelfare.org 

World Horse Welfare (Registered charity no: 206658 and SC038384), is an international horse charity that improves the lives of horses in the UK and worldwide through education, campaigning and hands-on care of horses. Since we were founded in 1927, our whole approach has been practical, based on scientific evidence and our extensive experience, and focused on delivering lasting change across the full spectrum of the horse world. 

In the UK our dedicated network of Field Officers investigate and resolve welfare problems, and we run four Rescue and Rehoming Centres where horses in need can receive specialist care, undergo rehabilitation and find loving new homes through our rehoming scheme – the largest of its kind in the UK. Our international programmes alleviate the suffering of thousands of working horses by providing essential knowledge for horse owning communities in the developing world. We also work tirelessly to change legislation and attitudes to horse welfare through campaigns and education, including our founding campaign to end the suffering endured by the tens of thousands of horses transported long-distance across Europe to slaughter each year. We support the responsible use of horses in sport, and are independent welfare advisers to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and British Horseracing Authority (BHA). 

World Horse Welfare relies on voluntary donations. Our supporters are our lifeblood and we always aim to fundraise in a caring and responsible way. Our fundraising activity is governed by the Fundraising Regulator but we also go much further to ensure our supporters feel valued and protected. Find out more at: http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/our-pledge-to-supporters