Yard Owner Duty Of Care... what does it cover and how? Info please

M

MadMacher

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Wiltshire
www.madmacher.co.uk
Basically people keep mentioning the Duty Of Care supposed to be supplied by the Yard Owner.
Can anyone tell me what it covers etc.!!!
I am at a very crappy yard at the moment and want to know what it covers!
crazy.gif
 
The YO has quite a liability with the new Animal Welfare Act legislation, ultimately he/she, if neglect is proven whilst an animal is in their care could be proscecuted, and in the extreme, lose their business, hefty fine and a ban from keeping horses.

There is much more to it though and it is quite indepth. Did you have any particular questions I can try and help with?

There is an excellent booket titled 'Consultation on the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Equines' which every horse owner and YO should have. You should be able to get it through your Council. Library reference No. ISBN:978 0 7504 4475 0.

The Welfare Act is based on the Five Freedoms : Suitable diet, suitable environment, protection from pain, suffering, injury and desease, to exhibit normal behaviour patters, need to be house with/without other animals to avoid mental suffering.

PM me if I can help further.
 
The law applies for full/diy/grass. The YO is deemed equally responsible as the owner for the welfare of the horse at all times while on his/her land.
 
Put VERY briefly

See:

1. Defra, UK - Animal Health and Welfare - Animal Welfare - Animal Welfare Act
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/act/index.htm

2. Equine Industry Welfare Guidelines Compendium
http://www.newc.co.uk/codes/industry.php?PHPSESSID=38419a086e8547e560d2c0a1fec7abed

3. Code of Practice for Livery Yards
http://www.newc.co.uk/advice/livery.php

4. Duty of care (criminal) also extends to ensuring the health & safety of people (both employees and non-employees) under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated subordinate legislation including the requirements to undertake risk assessments and fire risk assessments.

5. Duty of Care (civil) may be owed and breach of that duty may lead to a cliam for damages if damage is suffered and negligence is proved.
 
There is also a duty of care for anyone that enters the property including visitors.

This means that yard owners need to ensure that anyone on the premises that is riding, lunging, schooling, leading or loading a horse wears protective headgear etc.
 
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