Horse Abattoir Film Reveals Welfare Breaches

Press Release from World Horse Welfare:

WORLD HORSE WELFARE OUTRAGED BY ILLEGAL WELFARE ABUSES AT
MAJOR LICENSED SLAUGHTERHOUSE

• Call for operations to cease at plant until new procedures put in place with FSA guarantee of compliance with law
• Call for CCTV in all slaughterhouses that take horses to help FSA enforce law
• Inhumane slaughter ‘has no place in Britain’

“Disgusting, appalling and totally illegal” is how Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare, describes the treatment of horses at one of Britain’s main equine slaughterhouses as was revealed in footage obtained by a Sky News investigation aired today.

“What we have seen is a complete, systemic failure of the slaughterhouse to comply with UK welfare laws, and of the Food Standards Agency which should have been enforcing the law - but clearly has not.

“We are now calling for all operations at these premises to be suspended until new procedures are put in place and the FSA guarantees the plant will comply with the law. We are also calling for Defra to install and monitor CCTV in all English slaughterhouses to aid enforcement,” said Owers.

“The public and horse owners need to have confidence that slaughter is carried out humanely in Britain. While it may be a sad fact, there is a role for humane slaughter of horses to help prevent them from suffering long and painful deaths due to illness or neglect.”

The revelations come as Defra is finalising the arrangements to introduce new EU regulations to protect the welfare of animals at slaughter which will come into effect this summer.

The footage revealed a multitude of illegal practices resulting in unnecessary suffering for the dozens of horses shown in the film. “We saw horses being treated appallingly every step of the way – from a poor level of care before slaughter, to slaughter in groups of two or three which is illegal and extremely distressing to such social and intelligent animals, to botched or incomplete stunning that appeared to allow some horses to regain consciousness before they were killed.

“These practices are disgusting, appalling and totally illegal and they must be stopped immediately,” said Owers. “Any chief government veterinarian would agree. There must be a full investigation, and operations at this plant must cease until new procedures are put in place and the FSA guarantees full compliance with the law.”

Just some of the many breaches of the ‘Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations of 1995 evident in the footage included:

• Shooting in groups of two or three - the law requires that animals are pithed or bled without delay after stunning.

• This requirement cannot be met when animals are stunned in groups. Bleeding horses one at a time after being stunned in a group causes totally unnecessary delay for some of the animals in the group. Some horses in the footage appear to be regaining consciousness before being bled. In some cases the footage showed that the first horse to be stunned was the last to be bled, increasing the likelihood that the horse would regain consciousness before they were killed.

• Horses were permitted to be within sight of another horse being stunned or killed – this is specifically prohibited by the regulations as witnessing such an event can cause significant distress to horses- as is evident in the footage. Even when shot singly, horses should not be shot in the sight of other horses, but in the footage another horse or horses are often present and can even see inside the ‘stun box’.

• Animals were not pithed or bled without delay after stunning; in some cases the delay was considerable – the Regulation clearly states that horses should be pithed* or bled without delay to prevent them gaining consciousness.

In all of the footage viewed, World Horse Welfare did not see any animals being pithed and therefore they should have been bled without delay – but in many instances this did not happen. In many cases the delays in bleeding the animal were lengthy and completely unacceptable.

• Animals were not restrained in an appropriate manner prior to stunning/killing so as to spare them any avoidable pain, suffering or agitation – World Horse Welfare saw many botched stuns in the footage. It appears that three different types of equipment were being used to stun or shoot the animals and in a number of cases the stun was not effective and had to be repeated. In addition the slaughter men had difficulty in raising the head of the animals in order to apply the guns.

• Animals were not moved with care; blows were inflicted on some animals with staves or ropes – this abuse of horses is clearly not allowed under law. Nor is it necessary.

• In lairage (where horses are held before slaughter) the conditions were sub-standard and injured or sick horses were not isolated or cared for as required by law – in the footage one horse was evidently very seriously lame and another apparently suffered from the painful condition of colic; both of the horses should have been isolated and given care - or been humanely put out of their misery at the earliest opportunity.

As an exception to this catalogue of breaches, World Horse Welfare did witness at least one slaughter man who demonstrated competence in both handling and killing.

World Horse Welfare believes that the footage showed evidence of catastrophic breaches of the law and that a full investigation is required. The charity strongly believes that operations at the plant should be immediately suspended until new procedures are put in place and the FSA guarantees the plant will comply with the law. The charity is calling for the introduction and monitoring of CCTV at all slaughterhouses licensed to take horses in order to assist the FSA in their duty of enforcement.

“I cannot see the public trusting this establishment again until we have CCTV monitoring in place. The FSA has staff on the premises who should have been enforcing the laws that protect these horses, but their efforts have been found seriously wanting,” said Owers.

However, World Horse Welfare urges the public and horse owners not to panic. “There is no evidence to suggest that other slaughterhouses in the UK are abusing the law in this way. We believe there is a role for humane slaughter. We have identified 6,000 horses at risk in the country and humane slaughter may eventually be the kindest option for them to save them from a lifetime of neglect and suffering. Homes for horses are in short supply,” said Owers.

“We do not want to see horses exported overseas to slaughter where welfare standards may be even lower – that would be an even worse tragedy.” The charity has significant evidence of the suffering experienced by horses transported long distances across Europe to slaughter and is campaigning for a short, maximum journey limit in line with scientific evidence that shows that horses suffer on longer journeys.

Defra had indicated in its recent consultation on the slaughter regulations that they were not minded to require compulsory CCTV in slaughterhouses at this time but the issue would be kept under review.

“We said in our response to the Defra consultation that we are not convinced that the case against compulsory CCTV has been made and it should be revisited as soon as more evidence on the value of CCTV became available. We now have that evidence,” said Owers. “If the FSA cannot fulfil its duty to enforce the law solely through its staff on the ground, CCTV would not only support them to fulfil their duties but would also provide vital reassurance to the public that horses are being handled and slaughtered humanely.”
World Horse Welfare is putting forward the following arguments in favour of CCTV in a formal response to Defra, and is preparing a petition that concerned members of the public can sign through its website http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org.

CCTV cameras:

• Can be installed into spaces where an inspector cannot safely be present – such as in the ‘stun box’
• Will always be present, unlike inspectors
• Cannot be intimidated, unlike an inspector
• Produce a permanent record, allowing both good and bad practice to be identified and used in training for slaughterhouse employees.
• Will help counter any malicious accusations against the proprietors or employees of licenced premises and permit proprietors to demonstrate that they treat horses humanely
• Can be viewed securely from any location, offering more flexibility for the FSA and could even save money if they replace some on-site monitors
• Will help improve public confidence that animals will be slaughtered humanely
• Will allow the British public to feel confident that British meat, which has a reputation as a high welfare product, is the result of humane slaughter procedures
• Suitable CCTV systems can be purchased for less than £500, so the costs to business are not unreasonable

Further Information:

• The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations of 1995 should have been followed. Schedules 5 and 6 are the most relevant to this story.

• *Pithing: the destruction of brain tissue after stunning to the extent that irreversible loss of consciousness is ensured.

• Definition of ‘humane slaughter’ according to World Horse Welfare: ‘Humane slaughter’ means slaughter carried out without causing suffering or distress to the horse – for instance, slaughter may not be carried out within sight of other horses. Only methods which have been deemed suitable for horses (shooting with a free bullet, or stunning with a penetrative captive bolt instrument followed by immediate ’pithing’ or bleeding) should be used and best practice guidelines should be followed.
 
I have no problems with humane slaughter, as unfortunately in these times, for some horses it is better than the aalternative. However, this is appalling!
 
OK I going to admit it - I don't have the stomach to watch anything like this - cheers for the warning OP much appreciated.

But the brave soles that have, could you tell me is this in the UK? If so, which one is it

Please don't tell me what happens:(
 
I didn't view the video but did read the article. The cruelty involved is despicable but also incredibly stupid. There is a horse population problem here in the UK and humane slaughter is a necessary but unpleasant solution.

Unfortunately, those employed by abattoirs are not always the most intelligent members of society. Working in a slaughterhouse is not a "nice" job and those employed to do it often have a past.

I'd tend to blame the managers and inspectors for this breach. I thought a vet always had to be present? What went wrong with the controls? I trust there will be a very thorough investigation and those responsible, at all levels, will be punished appropriately.
 
I can't watch the video, I saw one still on the front of the daily mail and that was enough for me. I don't care who anyone is or what their situation, everyone should take responsibility for their own horse if they reach the end of their lives. Horses give us tremendous pleasure and to think that any of mine could end up in a situation like this is something I just could not live with. The very least owners can do for their horses is to have them put to sleep at home. No horse, indeed no animal, deserves to go through what these poor things have!
 
ridingsafely,

an excellent and informative post of yours. It's only a shame that there are currently 3 or 4 other and parallel threads. The discussion is being fragmented, which is a pity.

I'm running out of steam, so "No more", but tomorrow I may make contact with WHW, and see if there's a way to gather all those with a view, under one umbrella.

Having now watched the video, in a curious way, I have some sympathy with Turners, and their staff. It was wrong, terribly wrong, but the work environment and the whole set up, were wrong, and without enough "trade" to allow for progress and reinvestment, the appalling practices witnessed are rather inevitable. Before we blame Potters and Turners for their existence, we should look to our selves.

To emphasise my claim in the last paragraph, the comment about "Trade"; I wonder how many are aware that at one time, abattoir blood had a high sale value, it being one of the finest grass fertilisers available. In our current and perceived wisdom, blood has now become a Specified Risk Material, an SRM, and now the slaughter houses, all of them, have to pay for the safe disposal of the blood which they spill. Instead of an asset, they now have a costly liability, but the laughable point is, that the blood which goes to the rendering plants, is buried underground. ;):D:D Work that one out, it was an EU clown, I guarantee it!

Alec.
 
Zuzan said:
WHW have a petition going http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/information/latest-news?view=show&content_id=5403
Click to expand...

There should be no need for either cameras or a petition. WHERE WAS THE STATE EMPLOYED VET? WHERE WERE THE MEAT HYGIENE INSPECTORS? How are they justifying their agreement to the practices on film? Explain that one to me.

Bingo, so WHW have started a petition, they're "Doing something", they're justifying their existence (as a matter of fact, the rspca are doing exactly the same thing). The race is on to see who can claim to have made the greatest impact, whilst actually achieving nothing.

Yes, on Monday I shall have a talk with WHW, and see if I can find someone with a spine.

Alec.

ps. as a footnote Zuzan, it isn't you as a person who I'm fed up with, it's a lame and corrupt system that's pushing my buttons! :o
 
Leviathan said:
its in cheshire .


not nice :(:(:(:(
Click to expand...

Thank you very much for letting me know

I presume you need a specific licence for horses - and that this has been suspended immediately (still haven't watched) but if its that bad they should not be allowed to continue to trade at this activity

Will sign petition
 
Alec Swan said:
There should be no need for either cameras or a petition. WHERE WAS THE STATE EMPLOYED VET? WHERE WERE THE MEAT HYGIENE INSPECTORS? How are they justifying their agreement to the practices on film? Explain that one to me.

Bingo, so WHW have started a petition, they're "Doing something", they're justifying their existence (as a matter of fact, the rspca are doing exactly the same thing). The race is on to see who can claim to have made the greatest impact, whilst actually achieving nothing.

Yes, on Monday I shall have a talk with WHW, and see if I can find someone with a spine.

Alec.

ps. as a footnote Zuzan, it isn't you as a person who I'm fed up with, it's a lame and corrupt system that's pushing my buttons! :o
Click to expand...

No offence taken Alex... my take is irrespective of the "details" of the petition and what is / should be best practice... it basically comes down to making a BIG noise for govt bodies etc to take any action..

Completely agree about WHERE on EARTH the inspectors vets etc were whilst this was going on.
 
Like most have read but can't veiw the footage, One has to ask how do they treat other animals at at this place! Was told this week that a load of ponies were taken of Bodmin Moor before Xmas to go for slaughter in Ireland. The sad thing is that this year the ponies have been looking very well.
 
BHS_official said:
The British Horse Society is shocked and revolted by the covert footage released by Sky News today. A statement has now been released with our full response.
Click to expand...

I've sent BHS_official a reply, by pm, and this is it;

Dear Sir,

I feel sure that those other forum users who've taken an interest in this matter will join me in applauding your stance.

I'd be grateful if the BHS would clarify their stance on the slaughter of horses, under abattoir conditions, and whilst accepting that there are inherent difficulties within any abattoir which deals with equines, whether the BHS would support "In principle", that there is a need for a reduction in our equine numbers, and that a return to a system which gave a commercial value to a horse carcass, would be desirable.

Assuming that the BHS agrees that we simply can't continue as we are, and within the current legislation, and that we need to open up the doors to a level of trade which will encourage those with abattoir facilities to provide a service which is fit for purpose.

Further, does the BHS agree that for individuals to lobby Defra and Government, would be pointless, and that accepting that there will be those interested parties who could be considered stake-holders, then does the BHS agree that with others who hold a similar status, that a determined drive needs to be given to a change in Government policy?

Does the BHS agree that with encouragement and the vital investment in improved abattoir facilities, that the disgraceful scenes which were witnessed on the Sky News programme, will be a thing of the past?

On a personal note, I wonder if you can confirm whether you have previously or intend in the future, to have discussions with the WHW and the welfare charities, in an effort to find a way forward. Would you consider a closed forum of those who would take a specific interest in a progressive stance?

Finally, and this is just a personal observation, I'm pleased to see that the FSA (though I suspect that you mean Defra), have removed the licenses from those offending workmen, rather than severing the number of UK Equine Abattoirs by 30%.

Though I'm sending this to you by PM, I shall copy and post it under the relevant heading. I'd be more than happy for any subsequent conversations to be held privately.

Alec Swan.
 
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Another person who cannot view the footage. Southern Cleveland Bay Club website published an article, from USA, a few years ago, which argued that horses should NEVER be sent to Abbatoirs. They are too sensitive and intelligent and will fight to live.

If this is happening in the UK I hate to think what goes on in France.

My horses are pts with me present, I would never send a horse away for slaughter.
 
could not agree more Rollin, it is a horrendous thought that they end up in situations like this. I would like to say a big thank you to those who took the covert footage. I know I cannot even bear to watch it, one still photo was enough for me to close the news page I was on. I have no idea what horrors they saw, nor how they now sleep easy at night, but if it was not for people who did put themselves out to cover such atrocities, it would carry on.

Even if ending a life, it must be done with compassion and care and not as if the last few moments of their lives do not matter at all. It is heartbreaking to think what they go through and it is good to see the backlash this has received on all social forums. I do hope the associations who can make a difference DO make a difference, but there is a lot the "little guy" can do too, so please do sign the petitions and write to your MPs.
 
When you think of the money that top end race horse owners have at their disosal wouldn t it be great for the sport if they could stump up for a proper facility for disposal of their rejects.
Maybe its a naive point of view and i know its not just racehorses...
Also I think proper criminal proceedings agianst the offenders in these videos would act as a deterrant for all abbatoir staff.
 
Please listen to the Food Programme Radio Four I think it is repeated on Monday afternoon.

I missed the item - but an American Journalist followed the fate of a Racehorse called Silky Slue (not sure of spelling) who finished up in Europe.
 
Alec Swan said:
I've sent BHS_official a reply, by pm, and this is it;

Dear Sir,

I feel sure that those other forum users who've taken an interest in this matter will join me in applauding your stance.

I'd be grateful if the BHS would clarify their stance on the slaughter of horses, under abattoir conditions, and whilst accepting that there are inherent difficulties within any abattoir which deals with equines, whether the BHS would support "In principle", that there is a need for a reduction in our equine numbers, and that a return to a system which gave a commercial value to a horse carcass, would be desirable.

Assuming that the BHS agrees that we simply can't continue as we are, and within the current legislation, and that we need to open up the doors to a level of trade which will encourage those with abattoir facilities to provide a service which is fit for purpose.

Further, does the BHS agree that for individuals to lobby Defra and Government, would be pointless, and that accepting that there will be those interested parties who could be considered stake-holders, then does the BHS agree that with others who hold a similar status, that a determined drive needs to be given to a change in Government policy?

Does the BHS agree that with encouragement and the vital investment in improved abattoir facilities, that the disgraceful scenes which were witnessed on the Sky News programme, will be a thing of the past?

On a personal note, I wonder if you can confirm whether you have previously or intend in the future, to have discussions with the WHW and the welfare charities, in an effort to find a way forward. Would you consider a closed forum of those who would take a specific interest in a progressive stance?

Finally, and this is just a personal observation, I'm pleased to see that the FSA (though I suspect that you mean Defra), have removed the licenses from those offending workmen, rather than severing the number of UK Equine Abattoirs by 30%.

Though I'm sending this to you by PM, I shall copy and post it under the relevant heading. I'd be more than happy for any subsequent conversations to be held privately.

Alec Swan.
Click to expand...

Hang on though. If you think it (the obtaining and releasing of footage) was 'not all as it seemed' and some sort of combined publicity stunt, why have you sent this email? Was is staged of something? Should further questions be aksed?
 
brighteyes said:
Hang on though. If you think it (the obtaining and releasing of footage) was 'not all as it seemed' and some sort of combined publicity stunt, why have you sent this email? Was is staged of something? Should further questions be aksed?
Click to expand...

I don't understand your point. Perhaps I'm being thick! Explain to me, if you will.

Alec.
 
Alec Swan said:
I don't understand your point. Perhaps I'm being thick! Explain to me, if you will.

Alec.
Click to expand...

Sorry Alec - on a different thread (the one with the misleading title, which now I can't find and was too lazy to link to, earlier) you implied it was a publicity stunt, and not quite what it appeared to be? Have you changed your mind? :confused: Apologies and has the other thread been removed?
 
I don't think so, but in answer to your question, it's an inherent mistrust of charities, especially when they would purport to support animals! ;)

I would hope that the BHS and WHW would be a little more focused on their purpose. We'll see.

Alec.
 
Alec Swan said:
I've sent BHS_official a reply, by pm, and this is it;

Dear Sir,

I feel sure that those other forum users who've taken an interest in this matter will join me in applauding your stance.

I'd be grateful if the BHS would clarify their stance on the slaughter of horses, under abattoir conditions, and whilst accepting that there are inherent difficulties within any abattoir which deals with equines, whether the BHS would support "In principle", that there is a need for a reduction in our equine numbers, and that a return to a system which gave a commercial value to a horse carcass, would be desirable.

Assuming that the BHS agrees that we simply can't continue as we are, and within the current legislation, and that we need to open up the doors to a level of trade which will encourage those with abattoir facilities to provide a service which is fit for purpose.

Further, does the BHS agree that for individuals to lobby Defra and Government, would be pointless, and that accepting that there will be those interested parties who could be considered stake-holders, then does the BHS agree that with others who hold a similar status, that a determined drive needs to be given to a change in Government policy?

Does the BHS agree that with encouragement and the vital investment in improved abattoir facilities, that the disgraceful scenes which were witnessed on the Sky News programme, will be a thing of the past?

On a personal note, I wonder if you can confirm whether you have previously or intend in the future, to have discussions with the WHW and the welfare charities, in an effort to find a way forward. Would you consider a closed forum of those who would take a specific interest in a progressive stance?

Finally, and this is just a personal observation, I'm pleased to see that the FSA (though I suspect that you mean Defra), have removed the licenses from those offending workmen, rather than severing the number of UK Equine Abattoirs by 30%.

Though I'm sending this to you by PM, I shall copy and post it under the relevant heading. I'd be more than happy for any subsequent conversations to be held privately.

Alec Swan.
Click to expand...

Hi Alec

I am more than happy to respond to this in public - there is nothing confidential (although please bear in mind I can't promise to respond quickly to posts on here - there simply isn't time to monitor the forum).

I think the BHS has made it pretty clear that we absolutely and unreservedly support a reduction in the number of horses in Britain. We clearly have far far more animals than we can cope with as evidenced by the number of welfare cases that the various agencies are dealing with - and this number is ever increasing. We are seeing far more multiple horse cases now than five years ago for example. In part this has to be tackled by decreasing the number that we are breeding (by which we primarily mean the low quality animals that are seemingly constantly churned out with no thought for their future). That is something we have been working on for some time (e.g. castration days and so on).

However, obviously lowering the numbers bred without legislation is incredibly difficult and does not impact on the overpopulation issues that exist now. So putting aside the moral issues of whether people should eat horsemeat (which is an entirely personal choice), we believe that abattoirs perform a much needed service. There are obviously all sorts of ethical questions over whether it is acceptable that we as a nation are in a position whereby our abattoirs to process so many horses that are apparently "surplus to requirements" (rather than ethically farmed for the purpose) but this needs to be addressed at the breeding end of the scale.

What is imperative and without question is that if we have abattoirs they MUST operate to the highest of welfare standards. Clearly this has not been the case at the Red Lion which is totally unacceptable and there is no mitigation or justification for this. There are no reasons at all why equine abattoirs cannot operate efficiently and effectively whilst maintaining excellent welfare standards. So yes, to answer your question we believe there is a need for horse abattoirs (with the highest standards of welfare) and a return to a system where a horse carcass had real value would be beneficial.

Indeed there is a very strong welfare arguement for fit for purpose abattoirs. Far better that a horse have its life ended quicky and humanely than be left to rot / suffer in a field as so many of the welfare cases we see sadly are.

I don't agree that it is pointless for individuals to lobby Defra / the Government for change. I don't think it is ever really pointless. However, obviously it is imperative that the welfare stakeholders also do so. And the BHS will. I can't at this point speak for other organisations but I have no doubt that they also will, we do all work very closely together. But we do have to bear in mind that we are in a climate where cost cutting is king and deregulation is the favoured approach. We are not knocking on open doors. The BHS can only claim to speak for its 75 000 members which is just a small percentage of Britian's riders which does limit the power of our voice. So there will always be a role for the individual as well as the charities.

In terms of discussions with other organisations, you can absolutley rest assured that this will happen as it does frequently already. The National Equine Welfare Council, CEBEC and the Equine Health and Welfare Strategy for Great Britian are just a few of the ways in which we as a sector get together and facilitate joint working on these issues. I think it is fair to say that there hasn't always been great communication between the charities but this really is changing and has improved markedly. This is evidenced by the On The Verge report and the joint lobbying of Govenment we are doing in respect of this.

As a side note, it is indeed the FSA specifically that have revoked the licenses. This information was correct (although they are of course an agency of Defra).

Apologies this has turned out rather longer than I anticipated! I hope I have answered all of your points. what I don't want though is for my ramblings to deflect from the key point here. What we saw in that footage was utterly unacceptable and we must, and will, do everything we can to ensure that it does not happen again.
 
Couldn't watch the video. A lot of the horses that end up at this slaughter house go through Beeston Horse Sale (in Cheshire) I have been at the sale when the horses have been collected by this slaughter house. They are definatly not treated with any respect, and I have witnessed young foals being beaten with sticks and kicked to get them to the loading ramp. Where are the RSPCA who say they attend horse sales. I have NEVER seen them, and I go there quite often. It's about time something was done about this cruel treatment.
 
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BHS_Lee said:
Hi Alec

I am more than happy to respond to this in public - there is nothing confidential (although please bear in mind I can't promise to respond quickly to posts on here - there simply isn't time to monitor the forum).

I think the BHS has made it pretty clear that we absolutely and unreservedly support a reduction in the number of horses in Britain. We clearly have far far more animals than we can cope with as evidenced by the number of welfare cases that the various agencies are dealing with - and this number is ever increasing. We are seeing far more multiple horse cases now than five years ago for example. In part this has to be tackled by decreasing the number that we are breeding (by which we primarily mean the low quality animals that are seemingly constantly churned out with no thought for their future). That is something we have been working on for some time (e.g. castration days and so on).

However, obviously lowering the numbers bred without legislation is incredibly difficult and does not impact on the overpopulation issues that exist now. So putting aside the moral issues of whether people should eat horsemeat (which is an entirely personal choice), we believe that abattoirs perform a much needed service. There are obviously all sorts of ethical questions over whether it is acceptable that we as a nation are in a position whereby our abattoirs to process so many horses that are apparently "surplus to requirements" (rather than ethically farmed for the purpose) but this needs to be addressed at the breeding end of the scale.

What is imperative and without question is that if we have abattoirs they MUST operate to the highest of welfare standards. Clearly this has not been the case at the Red Lion which is totally unacceptable and there is no mitigation or justification for this. There are no reasons at all why equine abattoirs cannot operate efficiently and effectively whilst maintaining excellent welfare standards. So yes, to answer your question we believe there is a need for horse abattoirs (with the highest standards of welfare) and a return to a system where a horse carcass had real value would be beneficial.

Indeed there is a very strong welfare arguement for fit for purpose abattoirs. Far better that a horse have its life ended quicky and humanely than be left to rot / suffer in a field as so many of the welfare cases we see sadly are.

I don't agree that it is pointless for individuals to lobby Defra / the Government for change. I don't think it is ever really pointless. However, obviously it is imperative that the welfare stakeholders also do so. And the BHS will. I can't at this point speak for other organisations but I have no doubt that they also will, we do all work very closely together. But we do have to bear in mind that we are in a climate where cost cutting is king and deregulation is the favoured approach. We are not knocking on open doors. The BHS can only claim to speak for its 75 000 members which is just a small percentage of Britian's riders which does limit the power of our voice. So there will always be a role for the individual as well as the charities.

In terms of discussions with other organisations, you can absolutley rest assured that this will happen as it does frequently already. The National Equine Welfare Council, CEBEC and the Equine Health and Welfare Strategy for Great Britian are just a few of the ways in which we as a sector get together and facilitate joint working on these issues. I think it is fair to say that there hasn't always been great communication between the charities but this really is changing and has improved markedly. This is evidenced by the On The Verge report and the joint lobbying of Govenment we are doing in respect of this.

As a side note, it is indeed the FSA specifically that have revoked the licenses. This information was correct (although they are of course an agency of Defra).

Apologies this has turned out rather longer than I anticipated! I hope I have answered all of your points. what I don't want though is for my ramblings to deflect from the key point here. What we saw in that footage was utterly unacceptable and we must, and will, do everything we can to ensure that it does not happen again.
Click to expand...

Thanks for taking the time to make such a detailed reply.
 
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