Equine Welfare
In recent years, Wales has faced a rising equine crisis which has resulted in some very high profile cruelty cases, as well as a high number of abandoned and neglected horses.
To address these issues, we worked with the Welsh Government to develop the Control (Wales) Act which was introduced in 2014. Though not a solution to all of the equine problems which exist in Wales, the act brought forth positive measures which enable local authorities to better deal with the illegal fly-grazing and abandonment of equines. We continue to work with local authorities across Wales on the enforcement of this and other relevant legislation in tackling the welfare crisis facing horses.
In conjunction with the Animal Welfare Network for Wales (AWNW), the Welsh Government published a Code of Practice for the Welfare of Equines in 2018, which provides clear guidance on how to ensure welfare standards are met at all times. More recently, the Welsh Government included a question which could see livery yards and other settings where horses are kept, such as sanctuaries and rescues, regulated in its consultation on the licensing of animal establishments, activities and exhibits with it hoped that this will eventually lead to better protections for equines.