Equine Welfare

Question 1

Name the main legislation surrounding equine welfare (4)

Answer 1

• Animal Welfare Act 2006
• Welfare of `Animals Transport Order 2007
• Riding Establishments Act
• Control of Horses Act 2015 (abandoned horses)

Question 2

Describe what role welfare organisations can play

Answer 2

• education
• care + rehabilitation of welfare cases
• research
• prosecution

Question 3

What are the 5 basic needs of equines?

Answer 3

1. Diet
2. Environment
3. Health
4. Behaviour
5. Company

Question 4

Describe how animal + resource based welfare indicators can be used to assess the 1st freedom (hunger + thirst)

Answer 4

Animal = body condition score
Resource = availability of food + water

Question 5

Describe how animal + resource based welfare indicators can be used to assess the 2nd freedom (discomfort)

Answer 5

Animal = injuries, sores, shivering, sweating
Resource = field clean/ dry, stable size/ hygiene/ comfort

Question 6

Describe how animal + resource based welfare indicators can be used to assess the 3rd freedom (pain, injury disease)

Answer 6

Animal = vet clinical examination
Resource = records

Question 7

Describe how animal + resource based welfare indicators can be used to assess the 4th freedom (fear)

Answer 7

Animal = behavioural response, injuries, human interaction
Resource = training/ schooling methods, use of whip

Question 8

Describe how animal + resource based welfare indicators can be used to assess the 5th freedom (behaviour)

Answer 8

Animal = +ve normal behaviours
Resource = environmental enrichment, other horses, access to provisions

Question 9

What issues regarding equine welfare are currently present in the UK?

Answer 9

Identification, obesity, care of ageing horses, transportation, injuries/ fatalities in racing/ competing, abandonment, fly grazing, indiscriminate breeding