WELFARE

Welfare Committee: The Scottish Welfare Committee consists of a regional network of representatives able to provide advice and practical assistance, and respond at a moment's notice to a local welfare concern. We are also actively involved in all aspects of horse care and seek to influence the Scottish Parliament on welfare matters.

SIGN THE AMERSHAP PETITION:  http://www.gopetition.com/online/18321.html  Protest agaist the recent court ruling which has decreed that 29 of the animals rescued from Spindles Farm in Amersham must be returned to the Gray family, four members of which are awaiting on trial on offences under the Animal Welfare Act (2006). A further 82 horses must be removed from the sanctuaries where they are currently housed, and sold at public auction on May 3rd.   Obviously this ruling defies any logic and, while it will be hard to overturn, we have to do what we can. So please could I ask you all to take a couple of minutes to add your name to the online petition which has been organised by the National Equine Welfare Council.

Get involved - Scottish Govenment consults on the Draft Equine Welfare Code: The Scottish Government is consulting on a draft equine welfare code of practice.  The aim of the Code is to provide basic information to provide basic information and guidance to those responsible for horses, ponies, donkeys and other domestic equines on how to care for them.  Comments are invited by January 11 2008: www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/10/16091227/2.

Consultation on the use, sale & distribution of electronic training aids: Click here for a copy of the BHS response to this consulatation paper.

Approved Livery Yards: These BHS approved establishments are insured against public liabiltiy and the welfare of horses and ponies is their main aim.  BHS inspectors conduct unannounced yearly inspections to ensure that high standards are maintained.  Click here to find an approved livery yard or to find out how to get approval for your yard.

Ragwort: Ragwort poisoning creates untold suffering for hundreds of horses throughout Scotland each year and results in around 50 equine deaths a year.  Click here for more information on what you can do to help.

Strangles: Currently Scotland is suffering from an unprecedented number of Strangles outbreaks but the good news is that a lot is happening to help consign strangles to history.  Click here to find out more.

Animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006:  This Act places a duty of care on owners and others responsible for horses and ponies to ensure the welfare needs of their animals are met.  Click here for information on what the Act means to horse owners.

Tips and Tricks: In this section you will find useful information about how to deal with some common situations.  Click here to find out more.

Loan Agreement:  In this section you will find a sample loan agreement if you are thinking of putting your horse or pony on loan.