Put Equine Welfare on the agenda - May 1st local elections

[voicesforhorses]

On 1 May 2008, there will be local government elections in England and Wales and a Greater London Authority election.

Find out what your local council candidate will do to improve equine welfare and riders health and safety before you cast your vote. This is an opportunity to ACT and is especially important if you have equine welfare concerns in your local area such as:

> Stray or abandoned equines in or near your local area
> Welfare issues relating to equines kept on common land (marsh and moorland etc)
> Welfare issues relating to equines kept and tethered on verges and waste ground
> Equine welfare at markets
> Equine health and safety standards at equine markets

Will your local council candidate ensure that the council enforces the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 2006?
Will your local council candidate ensure The Welfare of Horses in Markets (Order 1990 No. 2627) will be enforced?

Management of ragwort
Ragwort is a specified weed under the Weeds Act 1959, it contains toxins which can have fatal consequences if eaten by horses and other grazing animals.
Will your local candidate press the local authority to ensure that ragwort is removed from its land?

Safe Riding and Carriage Driving
"Horse riders currently only have access to 22% of the public rights of way network, whereas carriage drivers only have access to 5% of the network. BHS"

> Will your local council candidate press the local authority to introduce speed restrictions and warning signs on public highways used by riders and carriage drivers?

> Will your local council candidate ensure that Traffic Regulation Orders are not used to restrict the usage of routes by horse riders and carriage drivers?

> Will your local council candidate press the local authority to create, improve and expand off road riding and carriage driving routes?

Whatever concerns or issues you have in relation to equines NOW is an good time to ACT and make your voice heard. PLEASE contact your local candidates and ask them how committed they are to putting equine welfare and the issues you have in your local area on their agenda. The equestrian community needs to ensure that whoever they vote for understands equestrian issues and what they will do to address these.

Find out if your Council is holding local elections at:
ENGLAND
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/elections/englandlocal2008.cfm

WALES
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/elections/waleslocal2008.cfm

GREATER LONDON AUTHORITY
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/elections/londonassembly2008.cfm

Emma

 

[JillA]

You could ask them whether they are in support of properly trained and resourced Animal Health Officers. They are part of the Trading Standards function of the County Council, and are incredibly patchy across the country. Properly resourced, they should attend at any sales or markets to ensure the regulations are being adhered to and also follow up on welfare complaints from the public. Many try their hardest, but some know zip about equines, so that is an easy way to get some backbone into the system and ensure the Animal Welfare Act can be enforced.

 

[voicesforhorses]

Thanks JillA for your reply. If anyone has suggestions or further information please add it. It is getting involved in these kinds of areas that is essential if there are to be long term sustainable improvements to equine welfare standards.

 

[Oldred]

Thanks for that. Have printed it off and will raise it with candidates. I would like to know (or who to ask) what is the current law regarding tethering?

 

[JillA]

I'm not sure there is one - I suggest you ask your local Animal Health Officer (aka Animal Welfare Officer) at your County or Unitary Council. They may consult with Highways who are usually affected.
I'd be interested to know if you find anything, other than the usual provisions under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.