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Horse charity welcomes equine ID consultation
The consultation is open to anyone in England.
“The current system is simply not working” - Roly Owers, World Horse Welfare.

An equine charity has welcomed the launch of a new government consultation on changes to improve the equine identification and traceability system in England.

World Horse Welfare described the consultation as a 'positive step forward for horse welfare', and called on anyone connected to horses to participate. 

Data on the Central Equine Database should be kept up to date, but the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) acknowledge that it is inaccurate and incomplete for several reasons, including that horse identification documents are paper-based. 

Among the proposals under consideration by Defra is the ability for equine owners and keepers to update their horses' passport data online or via a smartphone app for free. 

Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare said: “Ever since the 2013 horsemeat scandal we have highlighted the pivotal importance of a shake-up in equine ID. The current system is simply not working and having a simple, effective digital system is vital to underpin many aspects of the enforcement of animal health and welfare regulations, not least being able to trace a horse suffering from poor welfare back to the person responsible for it.

“Defra now has a fantastic window of opportunity to get it right and we encourage anyone connected to horses to take part in the consultation. By so doing, you will have your voice heard and be contributing to a change for the better for horse welfare.”

The consultation is now open to anyone in England, and WHW is working with the equine sector to encourage the governments in Scotland and Wales to follow suit. A simpler British Horse Council/World Horse Welfare survey is also expected to be released imminently, the results of which will be fed back into the Defra consultation.

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

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News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.