HRH The Princess Royal invited the Police, national and local Government, regulators such as the British Horseracing Authority and animal welfare organisations to participate in a lessons-to-be-learnt review after the incident at Spindles Farm, Buckinghamshire where neglected and dead horses were found in January 2008.
The result is the National Equine Welfare Protocol launched today, which can be found here. The Authority, as a participant, consulted its stakeholders in the sport and hosted meetings of the review group.
The Authority’s Director of Equine Science and Welfare Tim Morris said:
“Whilst there were no registered thoroughbreds found at Spindle Farm, those events gave the whole equine world a wake-up call in terms of producing a coherent and swift response to instances of neglect, especially in the rare cases where many horses are involved. We welcome the new Protocol.
“Racing will not tolerate abuse or neglect of horses by those licensed by us and has a strong record in this area. If there are concerns of neglect or abuse of horses in the care of licensed trainers or to anyone regulated by the Authority it is important to contact us immediately. The Authority has the capacity, expertise, powers of entry to licensed premises, processes, sanctions and most of all the willingness to act.”
12th June 2008
For further information please contact Owen Byrne, Communications Officer, on 020 7189 3866.
Notes for Editors
The organisations involved were; Association of Chief Police Officers, British Equine Veterinary Association, Blue Cross, Bransby Home of Rest for Horses, British Horseracing Authority, British Horse Society, Donkey Sanctuary, Equine Market Watch, Horse Trust, International League for the Protection of Horses, LACORS, Livestock Auctioneers Association, National Equine Welfare Council, Redwings, RSPCA, SSPCA
If anyone has concerns about the welfare of thoroughbred horses in training or under the care of a licensed trainer, they should contact the BHA directly or anonymously through RaceStraight on 08000 852580. If a serious welfare problem is observed out of office hours it should be reported to the RSPCA.
