Code of practice for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids
This document provides advice on owning a horse, pony, donkey or hybrid.
Documents
Details
Owning and caring for a horse can be a source of great enjoyment but is also a big responsibility with a long-term caring and financial commitment. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 (鈥渢he Act鈥�) requires you to ensure that any horse, pony, donkey or mule for which you are responsible, whether on a permanent or a temporary basis:
- has a suitable environment to live in
- has a healthy diet
- is able to behave normally
- has appropriate company
- is protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
Breach of a provision of the code is not an offence in itself, but if proceedings are brought against you for a welfare offence the Court will look at whether or not you have complied with the Code in deciding whether you have committed an聽offence.
Updates to this page
-
Information on a 鈥渟uitably qualified person鈥� added. Also added more information on choosing an appropriate horse; minimum sizes for stables; importance of humane, effective and safe training; use of restraint; the inclusion of body condition scoring and horse passports.
-
Latest version of the code of practice for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids added.
-
Published an updated draft of the code of practice for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids.
-
First published.