How loud is too loud?

I

investigator

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I am investigating a rave that was held in a field of 20 horses. does anyone know the levels of hearing horses have and how it effects them over a prolonged period of time, say 12 hours? I have knowledge of horses so I am not a complete novice but the vets I have spoken to do not wish to be involved in this investigation but I believe the horses were effected and I want to bring the organiser to justice. any help would be gratefully received. Thank you
 
I would imagine you are on a hiding to nothing with this, if the people there were ok and I assume they were, then why wouldn't the horses be ? If you are unhappy about a rave being held then maybe you need to find another reason to object ?
 
I am a police officer and the police have to have complaints to do the investigations. This is not a personal investigation. I have had reports of nearby horses being distressed from the owners and from the local community in general being kept awake at night. the question I am looking for an answer to is how loud is too loud. perhaps I was not clear as to what I requested and for that I apologise. perhaps decibel limits. I know this is a long shot but I am ever hopeful.
 
Wouldn't a better angle for complaining be that the noise bothered the humans and not the horses ? I really can't see any mileage in the question you are asking, are you investigating this for your job or as an individual ?
 
investigator, I would be most surprised to hear that there is a measurable decibelled (sp!) level of volume at which horses are either distressed or at risk. I'd suggest that were you to consider the nuisance factor to which those who are neighbours are subjected, you'd be on safer ground! Distress levels for horses would be a subjective matter, and one which could only be assessed by the individual animals reactions, and it's quite possible that each would be different, and that the greatest affected could be the catalyst for the distress of others, rather than the volume itself.

Further, horses can be 'apparently' distressed by a carrier bag blowing across a field, and measuring flight and it's cause would be highly unlikely to reach any conclusion which would satisfy a Court!

Anyway, that's what I think!.

Alec.
 
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I work as an acoustic engineer, specialising in noise nuisance. I also have horses, so may be able to help!

There is no set noise limit for levels of noise that horses can be exposed to. Humans are covered unther the Noise at Work regulations, which set an equivalent noise level over an 8hr working day that can cause hearing damage if exceeded. For the same risk to occur, if the noise level were double the limit, over 4 hours it would be equivalent.

Assuming that the event is now finished, there is little, or nothing, that you can do. Calling you local authority's environmental health team during the event could have lead to it being stopped, equipment confiscated (if necessary), prosecutions, etc, depending on the noise levels.

It is a shame that people's horses have been upset by the event,and I believe it would have happened, not that the complainants are being fussy.

the best thing you can do is to submit a report to the local authority's environmental health team and licensing teams so that these events can be consered next time an appliation is submitted.

Good luck!
 
thank you for your advice regarding the time limits and prolonged exposure. . I am working in conjunction with the local Council and Environmental Health.
 
investigator said:
thank you for your advice regarding the time limits and prolonged exposure. . I am working in conjunction with the local Council and Environmental Health.
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In that case, why can't environmental health answer your questions ? If this is true, it looks like a waste of money and resources to me, there are easier ways of stopping raves, if they don't have permission, but then if you are a PO then you'll know that !
 
There are a few articles on line (mainly American) studying the impacted of sound on horses. I don't know if any would be credible/relevant enough to use as evidence mind you...

Edited to add - Any kind of loud sustained noise, coupled with flashing lights, people all over the place and general racket would certainly cause fear and alarm to many equines, regardless of how loud the music actually was.
 
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I am in the middle of a PM conversation on facebook with a friend who is Chief Constable of a large constabulary.

I just asked him if he has any knowledge of action against noise complaints and horses and he's just said, "If this person is actually a police officer, they are either stupid to say so or need to remind themselves of how the police gather evidence".

Sorry OP, but even if I didn't just get told that, I think I would still say that any advice you get on here will do you little to no good. You do need expert advice if you are dealing with a police complaint surely...the words of strangers on the internet can't be useful to such a cause?

Why don't you try calling the RCVS. They are the professional body and will no doubt be able to help you or at least, point you in the right direction.
 
I am aware personal opinions are not admissible at court. my aim is to get details of experts.
I thank everyone for all the advice and opinions. I will take what I can from them and disregard the rest.
 
investigator said:
I am aware personal opinions are not admissible at court. my aim is to get details of experts.
I thank everyone for all the advice and opinions. I will take what I can from them and disregard the rest.
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Fair point, just thought I'd share...my friend said it in a supportive way...he's not the most tactful, lol.

So....yeah, RCVS would be my first port of call for you. They will have details of specialist vets and can help you find the right people to talk to. Being the professional body and not an independent vet, they are also much more likely to be forthcoming with the help.
 
bonny said:
Guessing you used Google as the Op could have done, I'm not believing a word of this from the name onwards....no one is going to stop a rave in court by saying it upset the horses !
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Yep...shocking isn't it.

I'm really trying to be impartial, but I have a LOT of friends in the police force and not one of them would even consider posting like the OP has, but...each to their own. Links are there if he/she wants them.
 
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