Horses
We produce reports, position papers and submissions in response to consultations by third parties on a range of issues relating to the welfare of horses.
A selection of our reports can be downloaded by selecting the links below. We have also included links to resources produced by other organisations. Please note the RSPCA has not been involved in producing or endorsing these external resources and we do not endorse the content. We are including these links as we hope they will be of interest to you.
The RSPCA is one of a number of leading charities who have together conducted a National Equine Welfare Review. The group has produced this protocol document that sets out current operational methods and agrees future actions to develop the equine welfare provisions in the UK.
- Visit the National Equine Welfare Council's website to download the Equine Industry Welfare Guidelines Compendium for Horses, Ponies and Donkeys, which provides useful guidance on how to meet the welfare needs of horses, ponies and donkeys.
- Read the Report of research on the horse industry in Great Britain. Prepared by the Henley Centre Commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the British Horse Industry Confederation, with the National Assembly for Wales and the Scottish Executive (March 2004)
- Read the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and their Hybrids which you can find on DEFRA's protecting pets from cruelty page. 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 (¿the Act¿) requires you to ensure that any horse, pony, donkey or mule for which you are responsible, whether on a permanent or a temporary basis.