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World Horse Welfare reacts to transport recommendations
World Horse Welfare's founding campaign seeks to prevent needless long journeys to slaughter in Europe.
European Commission report outlines new welfare protections.

World Horse Welfare, the UK's largest equine charity, has reacted to the European Commission's (EC) recommendations to improve the conditions during the transport of horses.

The EC's scientific advisors presented a report on animal transport in Europe, and World Horse Welfare has welcomed its recommendations regarding shorter journeys, allowing more space and better training for people involved in the transport of horses.

Chief executive of World Horse Welfare, Roly Owers, commented on the recommendations: “We welcome this report which acknowledges what we have been saying for years: the longer the journey, the more horses can suffer, especially when conditions are not right. 

'These recommendations echo many of our own, including the need for shorter journeys, increased space allowance and better training for everyone involved in transporting horses.

'The report is an irrefutable case for change, and I very much hope that their recommendations will be taken on board, alongside a specified maximum journey time limit.

“In the shadow of Brexit there is a real danger that animal transport requirements in GB and EU will significantly differ. World Horse Welfare is working to seek as close alignment as possible with animal welfare and health rules, including disease control. 

'This will hopefully ensure the welfare of equines as they are transported between the EU and Great Britain, but also allow for ease of compliance for transporters.”

In the recommendations, the scientific advisors stated that horses should not be transported in temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius inside the vehicle. 

They also stipulate that each animal should have a minimum of 40cm space in excess of both width and length, and that overall journey times should be reduced, with stationary rest, feed and watering provided for a minimum of 30 minutes every four hours.

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."