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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."