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Welfare guide helps cruelty cases
Prosecuting individuals who have caused unnecessary suffering to horses
is proving easier thanks to a new welfare guide, funded by the Home of Rest for Horses.
A new equine care guide, produced by the horse industry and funded by the Home of Rest for
Horses, is proving invaluable in helping achieve the prosecution of individuals in cruelty cases.
The Equine Industry Welfare Guidelines Compendium was born of a long-recognised need - particularly
among lawyers - for guidelines for the welfare of horses, irrespective of where they are kept and
how they are used.
Launched last year, it was produced in consultation with the British Horse Society, British Equestrian
Federation, Jockey Club and International League for the Protection of Horses, among others. It is based
on scientific knowledge and best practice, and is a guide to standards of husbandry and management.
Previously, a prosecuting counsel would wade through various textbooks and reference books such as the
Blacks Veterinary Dictionary before presenting an argument. Cases of cruelty to animals are usually
heard in a magistrate’s court, presided over by ordinary members of the public with no knowledge of
the 1911 Animal Act, and often no yardstick of what cruelty is. David Nichols, senior partner at the
prosecuting firm of Harris, Cuffaro and Nichols, which has dealt with a number of cruelty cases, says:
"With this easy reference, matters are clearly laid out and understood."
The Home of Rest for Horses would like every livery and competition yard, riding school and horse owner
in the country to receive a free copy of the compendium.
For your free copy, e-mail: info@homeofrestforhorses.co.uk
This article was originally published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (26 February 04)
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