A young thoroughbred mare who had been so badly crushed and trampled in an overloaded lorry that the driver thought she was dead was lucky, welfare experts said – but the next horse in her situation may not be.

No one has been found responsible for Glorious, whose recovery, a year after she was rescued, has been described as a miracle, by those caring for her at Redwings.

The charity is sharing her story now, a year on from her rescue, as she has been signed over into their permanent care.

“I’m not sure I have ever seen a horse suffering so much pain and distress because of her injuries,” said Nic De Brauwere, Redwings head of welfare and behaviour.

A Redwings spokesperson said that last January, a driver heading for the Continent with a lorryload of horses told people at an authorised stopping place that there was a dead horse on board.

Glorious was alive but badly injured, the spokesperson said, adding that a vet called to the scene alerted the RSPCA, which asked Redwings for help.

“Glorious had sustained crushing injuries after being unavoidably trampled by other horses on the grossly overloaded lorry,” the spokesperson said. “She had a large wound on her head, a fractured skull, and injuries all over her body that got worse before they got better as her damaged skin sloughed off revealing deep open wounds. Her recovery involved many months of treatment from the charity’s experienced welfare vets, as well as other veterinary experts brought in to help.

Mr De Brauwere said it was very difficult to treat Glorious as she struggled with being touched.

“Anything to do with humans caused her immense upset, but her wounds needed a lot of care,” he said.

“We used sedation to allow us to do the most painful treatments at the beginning, and because that was done right, we could step back and only intervene when we needed to, so she could spend days at a time not needing to be handled or sedated to treat.

“The fact that Glorious survived what happened to her is a miracle and her recovery is testament to the efforts of Redwings’ vet team who used our years of experience working with frightened, painful horses, treating very complex wounds, to bring her back to health.”

Having recovered physically, Glorious has been integrated into a herd, with whom she is now a “very happy filly”. The Redwings team is now working to undo the damage done to her that affects her behaviour around humans.

“Whilst Glorious loves her herd mates, quite understandably she still doesn’t always enjoy too much interaction with people so we’re working on that,” said Redwings equine behaviour manager Sarah Hallsworth.

“She is now good to catch and we’re seeing improvement in her leg handling. She has friends, freedom and forage, the three Fs, and is enjoying the simple pleasures of just being a horse in a safe environment where, thanks to our supporters, her future is secure, no matter how quickly her behaviour does or doesn’t progress.”

It is assumed that Glorious was en route to slaughter in Europe.

“We are deeply disappointed that despite the efforts of the RSPCA, local vets and Redwings to document her suffering, no one has been found responsible and faced any repercussions for what happened to Glorious,” Mr De Brauwere said.

“Her case shows that there are still big improvements needed in checks and enforcement to protect horses being transported through our borders.

“Glorious might not have been rescued. The next injured horse probably won’t be. Crazy as it sounds given her horrendous ordeal, she is very lucky and will want for nothing here at Redwings for the rest of her life.”

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Exporting horses for slaughter from Britain has been banned in a “defining moment” for animal welfare.

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill passed its third and final reading in the House of Lords on 14 May and was granted royal assent on Monday (20 May), meaning that it is now law. But worries have been aired over a possible loophole.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said the law “ensures that no horse, pony or donkey will legally be exported from Great Britain for slaughter and while this is a monumental step forward, plenty more needs to be achieved to effectively combat the illegal export of equines from the country”.

“This will rely on the new law being effectively enforced and the introduction of full traceability of all equines, and we look forward to working with Defra to achieve this,” said Mr Owers.

Banning the live export of horses for slaughter was a founding purpose of World Horse Welfare, which was formed in 1927 by Ada Cole after she stood on the docks of Antwerp and witnessed the cruel treatment of British work horses being unloaded and taken to slaughter.

The RSPCA has also been campaigning on the issue for more than 50 years.

“This means British animals will no longer be sent on gruelling journeys abroad for further fattening and slaughter in cramped and poor conditions with little or no access to food or water,” said RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood.

“As one of the first countries in the world to abolish this practice, this vital step for animal welfare sends an important message globally and we hope to see other countries follow suit soon.”

Although the new act has been broadly welcomed, concerns were raised during its final reading in the House of Lords (14 May) over a potential loophole.

Baroness Hoey said that although she is “very much in favour of this bill”, she is also concerned that “there is no guarantee that animals from Northern Ireland, which are under no restriction, will not be moved to the Republic of Ireland and then onwards”.

“Yet we are saying that this is wonderful, that we have changed things and that leaving the European Union has allowed us to ban live exports,” she said.

Lord Douglas Miller, Defra parliamentary under-secretary of state, said he is “acutely aware that there are some challenges in certain places” but that it is “probably beyond my remit to address those issues”.

“I have tried extremely hard through both individual engagement and the debates that we have had up to this stage to put the bill in the position that I think we all want it to conclude on, which is one where it will pass,” he said.

“Therefore, I feel sad that I cannot satisfy everybody in this space, but I genuinely believe that we can collectively be proud of this bill, and it does exactly the right thing at this moment in time.”

On 14 May, Mr Owers again stressed that while the passage of this law “is a monumental step forward, plenty more needs to be achieved to effectively combat the illegal export of equines.”

He added that this will “rely on the new law being effectively enforced and the introduction of full traceability of all equines”.

“In the 21st century it is preposterous that equine ID is still based on a paper system, which simply provides an open door for horse smugglers,” he said.

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A bill that would ban live exports of equines for slaughter took a major step forward yesterday (Tuesday) with one final step before it becomes law.

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill had its third and final reading in the House of Lords, so it now just needs royal assent before it passes into law.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said yesterday was “a defining moment” in the charity’s “nearly century-long and founding campaign”. World Horse Welfare was founded in 1927 by Ada Cole, who stood on the docks of Antwerp and witnessed the cruel treatment of British work horses being unloaded and taken to slaughter.

Mr Owers said: “The passage of this law ensures that no horse, pony or donkey will legally be exported from Great Britain for slaughter and while this is a monumental step forward, plenty more needs to be achieved to effectively combat the illegal export of equines from the country.

“This will rely on the new law being effectively enforced and the introduction of full traceability of all equines, and we look forward to working with Defra to achieve this. In the 21st century it is preposterous that equine ID is still based on a paper system, which simply provides an open door for horse smugglers.”

The bill was introduced in The King’s Speech on 7 November 2023, which set out the Government’s agenda for the next year.

RSPCA director for advocacy Emma Slawinski added it is a “momentous moment for animals – with this vote marking one of the biggest days for animal welfare in modern history”.

“Sadly, I’ve witnessed up close the reality of these exports and the impact they have on animals,” she said.

“I’ll forever be haunted by the smell that comes off an export truck, and the calls of the animals inside which can still be heard as the ship leaves the port and sails into the distance. Every time I talk about the live exports of animals, that smell and those sounds come back to me.

“Fortunately, after so many years campaigning, the mental exhaustion, injury, hunger, dehydration and stress animals are at risk of on these cruel journeys will now – once and for all – be consigned to the history books in this country.”

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A load of 26 “frightened and vulnerable” horses including some believed to be destined for slaughter in Europe have been intercepted in Kent.

An overloaded transporter was stopped at Dover with 26 equines on board, of whom only 19 had the necessary paperwork for the journey. Many had health issues, making them unfit to travel, and at least one pony was infected with equine influenza.

The horses were abandoned at a Kent holding yard when authorities discovered that they were being smuggled out of the UK, and have been rescued by World Horse Welfare.

“We applaud the authorities for taking action in this case and stopping the vehicle, but far too often these lorries cross borders unchecked,” said World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers.

“From our initial investigations, the horses were allegedly travelling from the Republic of Ireland to France, using Britain as a land-bridge. But they are all British-born horses, some bought from sales in England shortly before supposedly being ‘imported’ back into the country.

“Regardless of whether the horses started their journey in Ireland or Britain, it is highly likely that they would have been travelled for hours to potentially end their lives in a European slaughterhouse.

“Some are pregnant mares, others had health conditions making them unfit to travel, and one had to be euthanised because it was in such a poor state. Worryingly 13 of the horses are signed out of the food chain.”

After arriving at the charity’s Norfolk rescue and rehoming centre, the group was found to be carrying equine influenza. Although they were quarantined on arrival, the outbreak meant the farm had to go into lockdown.

The UK Government’s Animal Welfare (Live Exports) Bill is progressing through the House of Lords. The charity said that this case shines a spotlight on the illegal trade in horses and why secondary legislation, robust enforcement and equine traceability are “vital to protect British horses and ponies from an unknown fate”.

“This case highlights the tragic reality we believe countless equines have to suffer through being exported to slaughter,” said Mr Owers.

“Drivers and vehicles are switched, horses pass through multiple hands, sometimes on fraudulent passports, and are moved between local authority areas and from country to country, before they are exported. All to make it harder to trace the people involved, the individual equines being moved and the long journeys that they are being subjected to.

“To put an end to these abhorrent movements and to protect our nation’s horses, it is imperative that the UK Government gets the Live Export Bill on to the statute book, finally implements a robust and digitalised equine identification system, and establishes an effective system for enforcing all equine legislation, so that smugglers can no longer hide behind a smokescreen of confusion.”

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Thousands of healthy American horses are being “butchered in a secretive, inhumane trade”, welfare campaigners say, as it emerges that almost 18,000 were sent from the US to Mexico for slaughter last year.

US Department of Agriculture figures show that in 2023, “kill buyers” transported 17,997 horses from Arizona, New Mexico and Texas to slaughterhouses south of the border.

Welfare organisation Animal Wellness Action is calling on the US Congress to ban live export to Mexico or Canada for slaughter for consumption.

“Not one of these horses was raised for slaughter,” a spokesman for Animal Wellness Action said. “They were, for the most part, raised for pleasure, show, work, or racing and opportunistically collected and redirected to Mexico for slaughter.”

Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, said: “We are sounding the alarm to Congress that healthy American horses are being butchered in a secretive, inhumane trade to Mexico.

“Not one more year of this trafficking of these iconic animals should be tolerated. The animal welfare community and the thoroughbred racing industry are united in demanding an end to this archaic, miserable, sickening trade.”

Last month, New York governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill to ban horse slaughter in New York, and barred the sale, transportation, and export of horses for slaughter. New York joins California, Texas and Illinois – four of the five biggest US states – in banning slaughter of horses for human consumption.

Domestic horse slaughter has been banned in the US since 2007, and there are bills with Congress to codify the ban on slaughter, and to ban live exports.

“If it is wrong to slaughter horses in Dallas or Yuma or DeKalb, it is wrong to slaughter them in Calgary or Quebec City,” Mr Pacelle said.

An investigation a year ago by the Center for a Humane Economy and Animals’ Angels found “immense suffering” of equids transported for slaughter, “with results showing a lack of care, deficient delivery of food or water, and transport in cramped, dangerous, and unsanitary conditions”.

A USDA spokesman told H&H: “The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issues health certifications to ensure horses being exported meet the import requirements of the receiving country. APHIS does track the final destination of the animals in the receiving country.”

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Animal welfare charities have welcomed a significant milestone as a law to ban live export for slaughter takes its first steps towards implementation.

H&H reported last month that the King’s speech had included an announcement of the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill. The bill was introduced to parliament on Monday (4 December).

“This marks a significant milestone in [our] almost 100-year history,” a spokesman for World Horse Welfare said. “The bill will ban live animal exports of horses and others, including cattle, sheep, and pigs, for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain.”

The bill comes after 87% of respondents to a public consultation agreed that livestock should not be exported for slaughter and fattening.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said: “We are delighted that the Government has introduced this bill and will put its muscle behind making it law. We know horses are being exported for slaughter ‘under the radar’ despite none being officially declared for this purpose.

“This bill will finally make it illegal, something we have been campaigning for since our charity’s foundation. We look forward to working with Defra to ensure that the right measures are put in place to enforce this hugely significant piece of legislation.”

World Horse Welfare thanked all those who had backed its campaigns urging the Government to progress on this legislation, as it continues its campaign to stop long-distance transport to slaughter in the EU.

Kerry Postlewhite, assistant director of campaigns and prevention at the RSPCA, said: “After 50 years of campaigning to end live exports, it is so important, and welcome, that the UK Government is acting to ban the live export of animals – outlawing the long, crowded journeys, mental exhaustion, physical injury, dehydration and stress that are a reality for farm animals on these unnecessary journeys.

“It is great that the new Defra secretary of state has shown such strong and enthusiastic support previously for a ban on live exports – and we look forward to this policy becoming a reality.”

Environment secretary Steve Barclay said: “We have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world.

“This bill makes use of post-Brexit freedoms to strengthen these standards by preventing the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening, which we know causes animals unnecessary stress and injury.”

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Welfare charities have welcomed the Government’s commitment to ban live export for slaughter, as a “historic day for animal welfare”.

The King’s Speech on 7 November, which set out the Government’s agenda for the next year, introduced the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill, stating: “Now that we have left the European Union, we can end live animal exports, further strengthening our animal welfare protections and delivering on our manifesto commitment.”

H&H has reported on the Kept Animals Bill, which was introduced in June 2021, and would have clamped down on horse attacks by out-of-control dogs as well as ending live transport for slaughter. The bill had cross-party support but its progress slowed, and it was scrapped this summer. Equine charities were among those calling on the Government to make good on its promise, and when the bill was scrapped, food, farming and fisheries minister Mark Spencer added that individual measures from the bill would be taken forward and the Government “remains committed” to banning live exports for slaughter permanently.

The Government says the new bill will ensure animals are slaughtered domestically, in “high-welfare UK slaughterhouses” and prevent export to “unknown and likely lower welfare slaughterhouse conditions”.

The RSPCA was “thrilled” by the commitment.

The charity’s head of public affairs David Bowles said: “This is a historic day for animal welfare. After half a century of campaigning to see an end of live exports, we’re incredibly pleased that the UK Government has prioritised this – albeit as the only animal welfare issue taken forward in their programme.

“This King’s Speech, the last one before the [next general] election, is an acid test of the UK Government’s true commitment to animal welfare and we now urge them to make good on this promise, finally get this legislation over the line, and bring in a ban on this cruel and barbaric practice.”

A Defra spokesman told H&H: “As the highest ranked G7 nation when it comes to World Animal Protection’s animal protection index, the UK is a world leader on animal welfare and we are fully committed to maintaining and enhancing our strong track record.

“We recognise the long-standing public concern with livestock and horses being exported for slaughter and fattening. We are introducing the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill to deliver our manifesto commitment to end this trade.”

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Campaigners have shared “frustration” and “disappointment” at the Government’s decision to scrap legislation that would have outlawed the live export of horses for slaughter.

The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill had its first reading in June 2021, but had since stagnated. In April, World Horse Welfare led a ride to Parliament (pictured, top) to press for the passage of the bill and to raise awareness of live export to slaughter.

The legislation would also have clamped down on horse attacks by out-of-control dogs, banned import of dogs with cropped ears and restricted the keeping of primates as pets. As well as this, it was set to deal with livestock worrying, make pet theft a specific offence and limit non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets.

But on 25 May, the bill was dropped.

Mark Spencer, the minister for food, farming and fisheries, blamed “political games” and “scope creep”, explaining that “the bill risks being extended far beyond the original commitments in the manifesto and the action plan”. He added that individual measures from the bill will be taken forward and that the Government “remain committed” to permanently banning live exports for fattening and slaughter.

Mr Spencer also gave a summary of animal welfare policy advancements since 2010. He then announced the launch of both the new animal sentience committee, to advise the Government, and a consultation on new financial penalties of up to £5,000 for those who commit offences against animals.

During the debate that followed, Mr Spencer told the Commons: “We have committed ourselves to delivering the measures in the Kept Animals Bill and we will deliver them.

“We are very proud of our record on animal welfare. We continue to be committed in this area and we will deliver before the next general election.”

He added: “The measures in the Kept Animals Bill will now be divided into smaller, bite-sized chunks so that we can get through them and deliver them more quickly.

“Instead of being bogged down in endless amendments and political games, we can now get on and deliver on all these commitments and expedite the process of making sure we get them on the statute book.”

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H that for more than two years, the charity has been campaigning in support of this legislation.

“Now it feels like we’re back to square one,” he said.

“This sudden U-turn on the Kept Animals Bill is hugely frustrating and a bitter disappointment, especially since it could have done so much good for horses and other animals.

“The Government’s promise to take forward elements of the Kept Animals Bill individually during this Parliament provides scant comfort and we will believe it when we see it.

“So we urge Government to make good on its promises and manifesto commitments by setting a timetable to bring in these much-needed new laws. For our part, we will not stop campaigning until this is done.”

Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, added that it is “disappointing” that landmark legislation on important welfare issues like sheep worrying has been “needlessly delayed for two years by MPs”.

“The Countryside Alliance will be working with other genuine animal welfare organisations to get these important measures into law as quickly as possible,” he added.

Emma Slawinski, director of policy at the RSPCA, said that “while politicians dither, animals suffer”, but welcomed the formation of the new animal sentience committee.

“We have been waiting for almost two years for the Kept Animals Bill to improve the lives of billions of animals and now it’s effectively been scrapped,” she said.

“We are frustrated and disappointed that, despite overwhelming public support, the UK Government has delayed and delayed and has now broken up the bill, leading to yet more uncertainty and lost time.”

She added: “However, while this new sentience committee is a big step forward, if this UK Government is really serious about improving animal welfare, it needs to break the deadlock and quickly bring back all commitments contained within the Kept Animals Bill.”

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Horses ridden through central London to parliament to help end equine suffering

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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A cavalcade of horses and riders clattered through central London to parliament in an attempt to prevent future equine suffering.

Equestrian legend Jane Holderness-Roddam, Radio 2 DJ and World Horse Welfare patron Sarah Cox and equestrian influencer Esme Higgs (This Esme) were among those who rode from South Carriage Drive to the Houses of Parliament, going through Hyde Park and along The Mall en route.

The aim was to press for progress on the Kept Animals Bill, which was introduced to parliament in June 2021 but has still not become law despite cross-party support. The bill would ban live export of animals for slaughter or fattening.

“Almost 100 years ago World Horse Welfare was founded by the inimitable Ada Cole, and stopping the live export of horses to slaughter was her founding principle,” said the charity’s chief executive Roly Owers. “We have the chance to stop this practice once and for all, but time is running out.

“As the country prepares for a general election, probably next year, the bill will be put aside unless it is adopted soon. Without doubt, our aim here today is to raise awareness in the minds of the MPs in the building behind me and make sure that this opportunity is not lost. Donations to our appeal will help ensure we can continue to tirelessly chase an end to live export to slaughter.”

The ride marked the World Horse Welfare #StopHorseSmuggling appeal, to help “finish what Ada Cole started and ensure that no horse from Britain is transported abroad live for slaughter”.

Sara Cox said: “My ride today, Onyx, was brilliant, taking all the people and traffic in the city in his stride. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to see the name World Horse Welfare and so many people saw us ride through. A great charity doing such an important job, it was wonderful to be a part of it.”

The horses were supplied by Carol Andrews, owner of Wimbledon Village Stables. Flanked by mounted police, they came to a halt in Victoria Gardens South just outside the Houses of Parliament.

Jane Holderness-Roddam said: “It’s so important we all support this essential bill to prevent more animal suffering, and I hope that by taking part in this incredible Ride to Parliament, it will bring it to people’s attention.”

A banner in the park where the horses stopped read: “Have you seen the Bill?”

“Neither have we,” the riders replied.

Esme Higgs said: “Today was a great day, a great ride, with a great charity for a great cause. Nobody wants to see the live export of horses for slaughter, we all want to support these beautiful and sensitive animals. Anything we can do to increase awareness brings us a few steps closer to getting the Kept Animals Bill passed, and a stop to this barbaric end for our precious horse friends.”

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Equestrians are urged to act as this is the “last chance” to pass legislation that would stop “horse smuggling”, and benefit many equines and other animals.

H&H reported that the Kept Animals Bill, which included a proposed ban on live exports for slaughter and new legislation on livestock worrying, was introduced to parliament in 2021. But despite support from politicians of different parties, it has since stalled. World Horse Welfare has warned that if the bill is not passed by the end of this year, it will be “dropped from the agenda”.

The charity has launched a #StopHorseSmuggling campaign, and is urging people to write to prime minister Rishi Sunak to ask him to deliver on his Government’s manifesto promise to ban live exports to slaughter, and pass the new legislation.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said: “This is such a good bill that contains so much that is good for all animal welfare, including banning live export for slaughter and fattening, and livestock worrying. So much work has been put into developing this excellent legislation, which has cross-party support, it would be a travesty if this Government failed to allow the parliamentary time to get it across the line.”

Live export for slaughter is one of World Horse Welfare’s founding issues.

“No horse, pony or donkey has officially been exported for slaughter in recent years, but we know today that equines are being smuggled out of the country, often travelling in poor conditions under fraudulent identification, and that some of these end their days in a slaughterhouse,” Mr Owers said. “Passing the Kept Animals Bill into law and ensuring its proper enforcement could end this cruel trade. Please do all you can to support our campaign.”

World Horse Welfare has set up a website through which people can email Mr Sunak.

“Live export for slaughter does not just affect horses that have been bred for this trade,” a spokesman for the charity said. “Any horse can end up being exported to slaughter, from outgrown children’s ponies to former sports horses; horses sold with the best of intentions and in the belief that they could never end their lives in a slaughterhouse may well end up there.

“Many horses are being transported ‘under the radar’, often travelling long distances in sub-standard conditions. To many of us, horses are much-loved pets or members of the family, but to those involved in the trade of ‘low value’ horses between Britain and the EU they are simply a commodity. Falsely re-identifying a horse who has been signed out of the food chain with a fraudulent ‘clean’ passport makes a horse appear eligible for slaughter and therefore of more potential value to the trader.”

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Welfare consequences identified for horses during long-distance transport to slaughter build an “irrefutable case for change” – as it is hoped recommendations will pave the way for change to EU law.

In 2020, the European Commission asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to carry out an independent review into the welfare of livestock during transport, ahead of a possible update to EU animal welfare laws. Last month, EFSA published its findings in five reports, of which the equine-specific report identified 13 “welfare consequences” as being “highly relevant” for the welfare of horses during transport. These included handling stress, restriction of movement and injuries – and it was found horses may experience fear, pain, discomfort or fatigue, associated with these consequences.

EFSA stated that to reduce the impact of transportation on welfare, greater space, lower temperatures and reduced journey durations are required “compared to the current rules and practices”. The recommendations include providing food and water at regular intervals of no more than four hours, the temperature inside vehicles transporting horses not exceeding 25℃, stalls being at least 40cm wider than the widest point of the horse, and horses being able to lower their heads below their withers. The concept of fitness to travel should be “properly defined”, and those handling horses should be well trained.

World Horse Welfare – which was founded nearly 100 years ago by Ada Cole to bring an end to the practice of long-distance transport to slaughter – submitted evidence to EFSA (news, 2 Jun) and “welcomed” the report.

“This report acknowledges what we have been saying for years: the longer the journey, the more horses can suffer, especially when conditions are not right,” said Roly Owers, the charity’s chief executive.

“These recommendations echo many of our own. The report is an irrefutable case for change, and I very much hope that their recommendations will be taken on board, alongside a specified maximum journey time limit.”

A World Horse Welfare spokesman added that unlike other species, a large number of equids are transported for reasons other than slaughter, such as moving to new grazing, for breeding purposes and when being transferred to new owners, so these recommendations will affect all horses being transported for “commercial purposes”. But it was recognised that horses being transported for slaughter are often subjected to longer journeys, in poorer conditions, so these recommendations will benefit these animals in particular.

Mr Owers said since Brexit there is a “real danger” animal transport requirements in Great Britain and the EU will “significantly differ”.

“World Horse Welfare is working to seek as close alignment as possible with animal welfare and health rules, including disease control. This will hopefully ensure the welfare of equines as they are transported between the EU and Great Britain, but also allow for ease of compliance for transporters,“ he said.

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“The stars are aligning” for a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring an end to the long-distance transport of horses to slaughter.

This is the belief of World Horse Welfare, which has launched an appeal in its campaign against the “horrific and unnecessary” journeys endured, still, by some 20,000 horses a year.

Roly Owers, CEO of the charity that was founded nearly 100 years ago by Ada Cole to bring an end to the practice, told H&H the EU is reviewing its animal transport legislation for the first time in 17 years.

“This is the big one,” he said. “This is the opportunity our founder set us up for. It doesn’t get much bigger than this.”

World Horse Welfare has spent years gathering evidence for a report, which makes key recommendations for changes to the practice. These are: a maximum 12-hour journey limit for horses intended for slaughter; any journey over four hours being defined as a long journey, so it is then subject to more legislative controls; and compulsory, species-specific training for anyone involved in transporting horses. There are also recommendations to review the minimum space given to each horse, change the definition of “fit for transport” to include that the horse must arrive at its destination in a fit state, ensure that horses have access to forage and constant drinking water for at least six hours before the start of their journey, and for all these rules to be “properly enforced to ensure horse welfare”.

Mr Owers said the number of horses being transported has dropped from about 165,000 in 2001.

“That means we’re in touching distance of achieving what Ada Cole wanted us to,” he said. “The numbers have reduced significantly, thanks in part to the voice so many people have given to our campaigns, but there are still 20,000 horses too many being transported; one would be too many.

“We believe there’s no need for this. There are local slaughterhouses and we’re not trying to stop the horsemeat trade, just the long-distance transport that’s so totally unnecessary, and has such a horrific impact on horse welfare.”

Mr Owers said all donations to the appeal will enable the charity to continue gathering the evidence on which its recommendations have been and continue to be made.

“That’s critical, and needs to carry on,” he said.

“The trade is without doubt less bad than it was, but less bad is still unacceptable.

“These horses can travel for days over thousands of miles with little chance to rest, eat or drink. They become exhausted, stressed and severely dehydrated; many are in pain and all are suffering unnecessarily on these journeys. In terms of how bad it is, people who have been stuck on the Tube in London in summer, or on a train when the air conditioning’s broken will have a snapshot of what it’s like. I caution against being anthropomorphic but in terms of how horrifically uncomfortable it is, that’s probably the nearest explanation.”

Mr Owers added that he is hopeful of a good outcome. If the recommendations are approved and enforced, and people are educated, it is hoped those in the trade may consider other options.

“Before they might have been resistant, but then they won’t be and the trade can and will end,” he said. “We’ve provided a good, evidence-based report to the EU, which has been clear about its priorities for animal welfare, and we believe what we’ve put forward is a good balance between the commercial aspect of the trade and ensuring equine welfare is protected.

“In many ways, this is an exciting time. The stars are aligning and we need to make the most of this extraordinary opportunity.”

To donate, visit: www.worldhorsewelfare.org

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The Government’s “action plan for animal welfare” – including a proposed ban on live exports for slaughter and new legislation on livestock worrying – was introduced in parliament this week.

The plans come under the new Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill which had its first reading on Tuesday (8 June). If the Bill is successful, the UK will become the first European country to end the practice of live exports for slaughter. The new legislation will also give new powers to the police to provide greater protection to livestock, including horses, from dangerous and out-of-control dogs.

Improving welfare during transport for equines destined for slaughter is the founding issue of World Horse Welfare and the charity welcomes the Government’s plans.

“Where equines are to be slaughtered, we believe this should happen as close to their point of origin as possible,” said World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers.

“By their very nature, equines transported to slaughter may be more susceptible to health and welfare risks on long journeys. For this reason, a ban on movements for slaughter out of Great Britain is excellent news.”

But Mr Owers added that “in reality”, nothing will change until a fully digitised system of equine identification and traceability of horse movement is in place.

“There have been no declarations of equines being exported for slaughter from Great Britain for many years, but horses and ponies are exported for a variety of reasons and there is no way to guarantee that a horse declared as being exported for another purpose will not go directly for meat,” he said.

“Until there is full traceability within and outside of the UK it is not possible to know where exported horses end up.”

A spokesman for the charity added that many equines transported under the radar are also not being declared as commercial movements.

“This means some transporters are not complying with welfare during transport legislation, which applies only to commercial transporters, and equines are being transported long distances in often cramped conditions,” said the spokesman.

“An effective and reliable equine ID and traceability system is vital to help tackle the grey area of transporters falsely identifying as not for slaughter or not commercial slipping under the radar at border crossings. Appropriate checks and the resources available to undertake them are also needed to enable the new legislation to be enforceable.”

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The spokesman said the charity also welcomes the plans relating to livestock worrying of animals in England and Wales.

“Attacks on horses by out-of-control dogs is a worrying problem for owners and riders, and the new legislation will confer additional powers on the police, allowing them to identify owners and their animals and take action. The legislation includes more than what is traditionally considered as agricultural land, so covers horses grazing in a variety of situations, such as on allotments, or on roads and paths, which is a positive development for equines and their riders when out hacking,” he said.

“The Bill will now require further readings in parliament before being set into law. Further bills based on the government’s action plan for animal welfare are expected in the coming months.”

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The European Commission has announced plans to revise animal welfare legislation, including transport and the slaughter of animals, to “align it with the latest scientific evidence, broaden its scope, make it easier to enforce and ultimately ensure a higher level of animal welfare”. H&H finds out what this means in the decades-long fight against long-distance transport for slaughter

A REVIEW of European regulations on the transport of horses and other animals for slaughter has been described as a “once in a generation” opportunity.

The European Commission has set out plans to review the regulations as part of its Farm to Fork Strategy, under the European Green Deal. The aim of the strategy is to create a healthier and more sustainable EU food system.

The commission stated that better animal welfare improves animal health and food quality, reduces the need for medication and helps preserve biodiversity.

“The commission will revise the animal welfare legislation, including transport and the slaughter of animals, to align it with the latest scientific evidence, broaden its scope, make it easier to enforce and ultimately ensure a higher level of animal welfare,” said a spokesman.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H the charity is “delighted” about the review. World Horse Welfare is in contact with the European Food Safety Authority and will be providing evidence to the commission, with a meeting scheduled this month, as well as providing evidence to the European Parliament and other stakeholders.

The charity, which has been campaigning for an end to long-distance transport of horses for slaughter for decades, is also undertaking research with the University of Bologna on the impact of journey times on welfare.

“The challenge with current legislation is while it does define specific requirements for equines to some degree, the welfare impacts of transport are very complex and therefore we need regulations tailored specifically for equines,” said Mr Owers.

“We know around 42% of live transport of equines across EU member states are intended for slaughter – it’s a significant part so it’s really important legislation to get right.”

The charity is calling for a nine- to 12-hour finite journey limit, more space allowance, and better training and competence of drivers and equine handlers.

“The existing regulation allows journeys up to 24 hours, then a 24-hour rest, then another 24 hours’ journey – you could be going through many different countries and that journey can last an eternal time,” Mr Owers said. “A nine- to 12-hour limit is based in part on scientific evidence, but also harmonises well with driver hours legislation. This makes it more enforceable and easier to comply with.”

“We also know one of the most stressful times of the journey is the loading and unloading so equine handling is really important.”

Mr Owers said the charity, which is a member of the Eurogroup for Animals along with other farm animal charities and the Donkey Sanctuary working on the review, has a meeting with the European Commission at the end of the month, and it is hoped new legislation could arrive in 2023.

“We need to be lobbying very effectively this year because the draft legislation will start to evolve in 2022. The EU is focusing specifically on animals for slaughter so it’s a very distinct element – it won’t impact on animals used in sport. It is focused which is a good thing, but the complexity of the area makes it a challenge,“ he said.

“Undertaking the review is one thing, getting legislation that reflects scientific evidence but is also flexible enough to be adapted when new scientific evidence becomes available, will take a bit of time.”

Mr Owers described the review as a “once in a generation” opportunity.

“Our current strategy is to end the long-distance transport of horses to slaughter across Europe by our centenary 2027, and we think this review means that that goal has never been more attainable. We are absolutely focused on that.”

A spokesman for the Donkey Sanctuary told H&H the charity has been providing information directly into the review as a member of the Eurogroup for Animals.

“We would like to see changes implemented that would allow better enforcement of the regulations, as well as a maximum journey time for equines,” he said.

“All equines should be transported in an appropriate environment, allowing for time to rest, feed, water and recover from the stresses of long distance travel. Donkeys and mules should always be transported under conditions that are suitable to their specific needs.”

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The Government has announced plans to ban the export of live animals for slaughter, as part of a push to improve general animal welfare in transport.

An eight-week public consultation on the proposals opens today (3 December) in England and Wales.

Environment secretary George Eustice said the UK has a “historic opportunity” to boost its high welfare standards owing to its exit from the EU.

A Defra spokesman said: “Live animals commonly have to endure excessively long journeys during exports, causing distress and injury. Previously, EU rules prevented any changes to these journeys, but leaving the EU has enabled the UK Government to pursue these plans, which would prevent unnecessary suffering of animals during transport and mean we become the first country in Europe to end this practice.”

Also covered in the consultation are proposals to boost welfare in transport, such as reducing maximum journey times and giving animals more space, and introducing stricter rules on transport of animals by sea, and in extreme temperatures.

Take part in the consultation online

Mr Eustice said: “We are committed to improving the welfare of animals at all stages of life. Today marks a major step forward in delivering on our manifesto commitment to end live exports for slaughter.

“Now that we have left the EU, we have an opportunity to end this unnecessary practice. We want to ensure that animals are spared stress prior to slaughter.”

The consultation takes into account responses to the 2018 Call for Evidence and a report published by the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (now the Animal Welfare Committee), which is made up of farming and veterinary experts.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “We welcome plans to end live exports and look forward to seeing this happen as the RSPCA has campaigned on this issue for more than 50 years.

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“There is absolutely no reasonable justification to subject an animal to an unnecessarily stressful journey abroad simply for them to be fattened for slaughter.

“Ending live exports for slaughter and further fattening would be a landmark achievement for animal welfare.”

Some 6,400 animals were transported from the UK directly to slaughter in continental Europe in 2018.

The Defra spokesman said: “This announcement marks the start of renewed efforts from government to raise standards on animal welfare even further now we are outside the EU.”

What do you think of these proposals? Email hhletters@futurenet.com for your chance to be featured on our letters page. The letter of the week wins a bottle of Champagne Taittinger.

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Every signature counts as World Horse Welfare urges the public to back its latest battle in the fight to end long-distance transport of horses for slaughter – before time runs out.

The charity’s most recent petition to the European Commission, calling for a shorter maximum journey limit for horses en route to slaughterhouses, closes tomorrow (13 March).

Sign the petition here

As of today (12 March), nearly 49,300 people had signed the petition, and World Horse Welfare hopes this number will reach its target of 50,000 before it closes.

“While the timetable for the UK’s exit from the EU remains as uncertain as ever, once this happens the voices of UK citizens may not be heard so loudly in Europe so World Horse Welfare is urging supporters to add their names to the petition while they still can,” a spokesman for the charity said.

World Horse Welfare’s long-running campaign to end long-distance transport to slaughter has already achieved a number of successes including maximum journey times and better conditions for horses.

The number of equines transported is also dropping, from some 50,000 in 2012 to about 26,000, the most recent figures show.

“This is another hugely encouraging step in our long-running campaign to end this vile and needless trade once and for all,” said charity chief executive Roly Owers.

“We believe there are a number of factors that have contributed to this significant reduction but campaigning has undoubtedly been a major influencer and we would like to thank everyone who has lent their support to our campaign over the years.

“But we know that 26,000 horses enduring these exhausting long journeys to slaughter every year is still shocking and we are committed to seeing that number reduced to zero by 2027. I urge everyone to sign and share our petition as widely as possible so that together we can complete the job of ending the long-distance transport of horses to slaughter in Europe for ever.”

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World Horse Welfare has also commissioned consumer research in Italy to understand the motivations for Italians’ buying and eating horse meat – seeking to understand whether animal welfare issues could have an impact on buying habits and consumption.

The charity will also carry out further research into equine welfare and behaviour during the journeys to slaughter and at destination and investigate levels of non-compliance in the transport trade which is “vital in showing the European Commission that the law as it stands is not only detrimental to welfare but is also unenforceable and unenforced”.

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Thousands of people have joined a campaign to end the long-distance transport of horses for slaughter – but more support is needed.

Since World Horse Welfare launched its petition calling for change in May, more than 13,000 people have signed.

But in those five months, it is likely that thousands more horses have travelled across Europe to be slaughtered, on journeys which can last for up to 24 hours at a time under current law.

As part of its decades-long campaign to end the practice of long-distance transport to slaughter for good, World Horse Welfare wants the European Commission to impose a maximum journey limit of nine to 12 hours, or ideally nine, as recommended by the charity’s scientific advisors.

Sign the petition here.

“This would dramatically improve the health and welfare of the horses subjected to this completely unnecessary torment on their way to slaughter as well as making the regulation easier to enforce,” said a World Horse Welfare spokesman.

“Each day, more than 130 horses will begin their journey to the slaughterhouse – travelling for thousands of miles across Europe by road before eventually arriving at their destination suffering fatigue, severe stress and completely broken in spirit.”

The charity plans to launch campaigns in Poland, Italy and Spain in the near future, but says support from the UK public is “vital” while we are still part of the EU.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has supported our campaign so far, signing and sharing our petition and donating to our appeal, but we must keep momentum going and continue pressing the European Commission to impose a nine to 12-hour maximum journey limit,” said World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers.

“The stress, dehydration and exhaustion caused by these arduous journeys is completely unacceptable and if horses are to be slaughtered, we believe it should be done as close to source as possible.

“The successes achieved in our campaign over the past 90 years have only been realised due to the unfailing dedication of our supporters and we need as many people as possible to share news of this latest campaign so that we can reach our goal to bring about this vital change in legislation.”

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Since the charity was founded in 1927, its campaign on this issue has brought about a number of improvements, including reducing the number of horses transported from 165,000 per year in 2001 to about 50,000 today. Lorries must now also be partitioned to prevent overcrowding and trampling.

“This latest campaign is another step towards the charity’s goal of ending the long-distance transport of horses across Europe for slaughter by its 100th anniversary in 2027,” added the spokesman.

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Horses and ponies that are apparently being exported from the UK for leisure use may in fact be sold for slaughter, according to an investigation led by World Horse Welfare.

BBC Inside Out (east and south-east) joined the charity to make a documentary on their findings, which will be screened on BBC One tonight (Monday 10 February) at 7.30pm. The charity is hoping that by appealing to the public and media on these longstanding issues, the authorities will be forced to take action.

The charity monitored 90 horseboxes with the capacity to transport up to 22 horses, moving through Dover, the French and Belgian borders during a 48hr period.

The authorities did not perform a single welfare or health paperwork check in this time, meaning horses and ponies that are leaving British shores could be going anywhere, for any purpose, in any condition.

Roly Owers, World Horse Welfare chief executive, confirmed that there were no checks by the authorities in 51 exported and 41 imported shipments between Dover and France during the weekend, and an inquiry has been opened.

“Everything we have found we have shared with the authorities and our evidence is now the subject of an ongoing inquiry,” said Mr Owers.

“We will support that inquiry and continue to carry out our field research until we are sure that there is effective enforcement in place and horses and ponies leaving this country are not suffering.”

A UK transporter reported to World Horse Welfare officers that he is “rarely, if ever, checked by DEFRA animal health officers” at the borders.

Although DEFRA told the charity that “horses and ponies are not being exported for slaughter”, the investigation shows that this is impossible to verify without any basic checks on compliance with the law.

But a spokesman for DEFRA’s Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), whose officers are responsible for checking documentation, told H&H that EU law prohibits them from doing routine checks.

“As a Member State of the European Union, the UK is obliged to respect laws governing the movement of animals throughout the Union,” he said.

“EU laws are intended to promote free movement between member states and as such, unless there are good grounds, it prohibits routine checks at ports which would undermine the principles of free movement. Checks are therefore undertaken at the place of departure or destination.

“AHVLA can and will undertake stringent checks at ports where there are good grounds to believe that rules are being breached which may represent a risk to the health of horses.”

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World Horse Welfare is disappointed that European agriculture ministers will not review transport regulations for horses travelling across Europe to slaughter.

Yesterday (19 June) the European Council voted in support of the European Commission’s strategy on the protection and welfare of animals for the next three years, and encouraged the commission to do more for animal welfare.

This included citing the important link between animal health and welfare, and the need to promote high welfare food products within Europe.

However the council did not request an immediate review of the transport regulation relating to horses.

“We applaud the council for showing a commitment to better animal welfare, but we are deeply disappointed that they chose not to seek a review of the laws governing transportation to slaughter under which around 65,000 horses needlessly suffer each year,” said World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers

“We call on the commission to immediately introduce a short, maximum journey limit for horses in line with scientific opinion,” he added.

World Horse Welfare has been campaigning for changes to Transport Regulation EC 1/2005, and particularly the introduction of a maximum journey limit of nine to 12 hours for all horses transported to slaughter or further fattening.

For more information, go to www.worldhorsewelfare.org/takeaction

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A petition pushing for a reduction in journey times for animals transported for slaughter has received more than a million signatures, and is being handed over to a European commissioner in Brussels today (7 June).

Current EU legislation makes it possible for animals, including horses, to be transported for several days in cramped conditions with little food or water.

International charity Animals’ Angels petition calls for live animals for slaughter never to be transported for more than eight hours. And, it says, the 1,103,248 signatures show there is overwhelming public support for such a notion.

Today the petition is being presented to commissioner John Dali in Brussels in an attempt to help persuade the European Commission – which proposes legislation for the European Union to consider – that transport regulations need to be revised.

This follows the backing of MEPs in March, when they adopted a written declaration calling for a maximum journey time limit of eight hours.

World Horse Welfare representatives also are in Brussels to support the campaign and the charity is encouraging horse lovers to write to their agricultural minister to tell them that change is needed.

“We hope that this [petition] will put more pressure on the commission to re-think the current totally inadequate legislation,” said World Horse Welfare’s Hannah Lynch.

“They must accept that there is huge public support for a short journey limit for animals transported for slaughter. If the current legislation remains unchanged all animals, including horses, will continue to suffer needlessly.”

The long distance transportation of horses is due to be discussed in the House of Lords on 14 June.

For more information visit www.worldhorsewelfare.org/takeaction

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World Horse Welfare has told H&H it is “dismayed” that European rules for long-distance transportation to slaughter will not be changed.

The charity was speaking after the European Commission announced it would not be altering legislation – despite acknowledging that “severe animal welfare problems persist”.

Currently horses can be transported for 24 hours with a break every eight hours for water, and food if necessary. World Horse Welfare wanted a 9-12hr maximum journey time for horses travelling to slaughter.

Last month, it handed a dossier of evidence to the Commission. But a report published by the Commission last week (10 November) merely proposed “more effective enforcement” of current laws.

“This is of grave concern,” said Jo White from the charity. “A maximum journey limit would be simple to enforce and is totally feasible.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse and Hound (17 November 2011)

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More scientific evidence and greater education are needed in the fight to improve conditions for horses transported long distances for slaughter, say industry experts.

Scientists and professionals from around the world gathered on 15 June to discuss the issues. Their major concern was lack of evidence on how transport affects slaughter horses.

But some recommendations were agreed to address welfare concerns currently facing the 80,000 horses that are transported each year across Europe for slaughter.

Exhaustion, journey times, dehydration and water provision were all discussed. The findings will be sent to the European Commission and EU member states to coincide with the release of a report on transport legislation in September.

“The meeting was a success and we were able to finalise a recommendation regarding access to water before, during and after journeys. The ultimate aim is to reinforce the call for improvements to welfare while identifying gaps in research where work is needed,” said World Horse Welfare’s Jo White.

Former British Equine Veterinary Association president, Prof Josh Slater said there were two ways forward.

“We can try changing EU regulations, but the problem is enforcement,” he said. “Or we can let the industry lead the way by proving that improved welfare produces better meat, which can be sold at a premium.”

There is currently little data as transport research to date has focused on competition animals.

Dr Gianluigi Giovagnoli of the Italian Equestrian Federation said: “Sport and slaughter horses are different. We need evidence on slaughter horses.”

Other points include the need to educate hauliers and consumers and highlighting the dangers of disease.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (23 June, 2011)

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Devon-based charity The Donkey Sanctuary has teamed up with a German animal charity to help relieve the suffering of live animals, including horses, transported across Europe to slaughter.

The campaign, which is run by German animal welfare organisation Animals’ Angels, aims to collect a million signatures to send a clear message that “live animals destined for fattening and slaughter must not be transported for more than eight hours”.

Current legislation permits transport over the course of several days and thousands of miles.

Paul Svendsen, director of European operations for The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “We are supporting Animals’ Angels’ campaign to limit the travel time for all animals being transported for slaughter to eight hours.

“We have campaigned for years to improve conditions for donkeys and mules transported for meat and we, along with many other welfare organisations, want to see a limit imposed.”

To download a petition form visit: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

For more up-to-date news, see the current issue of Horse & Hound (24 March, 2011)

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World Horse Welfare is celebrating a giant step forward in the campaign to end the long-distance transportation of horses to slaughter after securing an important milestone for horses transported across Europe for slaughter.

Today the charity has learnt that 405 MEPS have signed Written Declaration 54/2009 asking for a review of existing regulations surrounding the live transport of 100,000 horses across Europe in horrific conditions every year.

Jo White of the charity said: “Having witnessed this abuse first-hand, I am absolutely thrilled that so many people have got behind the campaign, we couldn’t have done this without them.

“However this is just one step forward to end the single biggest abuse of horses in Europe, so we must not lose momentum. We need to ensure that pressure is maintained on decision makers to end these cruel and inhumane journeys.”

Now the request will be presented to the European Commission, which is responsible for drafting amended legislation impacting upon these horses.

The charity and its supporters want to see the introduction of a short, finite journey limit for horses travelling to slaughter.

Long-distance transportation of horses to slaughter across Europe causes stress, injury, extreme exhaustion and dehydration.

Horses are often transported for days on end without sufficient rest, food or water is in spite of the fact that hundreds of slaughter houses line the transport routes, meaning that a carcase only trade is possible.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers, said: “I was overwhelmed by the number of people who have supported this issue. Without the tireless campaigning of our supporters, fellow European animal welfare charities and MEPs, the number of signatories may have been much lower.

“We are grateful to everyone who has taken the time to help and urge them to continue campaigning to end this unnecessary suffering – together we can make a difference.”

If you would like to make a difference, join the campaign: www.worldhorsewelfare.org/takeaction or call 01953 497262.

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World Horse Welfare needs your help to get 47 more Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to sign up to help horses travelled to slaughter, by 6pm today (21 January).

The charity’s supporters have encouraged 253 MEPs to sign Written Declaration 54/2009 calling for a review of the long distance transportation of horses to slaughter.

But at least half of all MEPs must sign the Written Declaration in order for this issue to be taken forwards, and they need another 47 signatures by the end of today.

Around 100,000 horses a year travel to slaughter on the Continent and World Horse Welfare has proof many transporters do not keep the rules on rest periods, food and water and layout of horseboxes.

Horses are being injured and caused great misery.

Please email or call your MEPs asking them to sign the Declaration if they haven’t already, or ask them to contact other MEPs about the long distance transportation to slaughter.

For more information and a link to your MEP’s contact details, go to the World Horse Welfare website

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The Princess Royal has praised World Horse Welfare for its work in highlighting the suffering of horses in the UK and abroad.

But she has added that responsible owners must not stand by and ignore the issue.

The Princess was attending the charity’s annual conference in London today (12 November). One of the subjects was World Horse Welfare’s Make a Noise campaign to stop the long-distance transport of horses to slaughter.

In her president’s address she said: “Looking at the footage of the horses which are travelled long distances across Europe, I think many responsible owners cannot quite believe that such abuse takes place every day.

“I am struck by the number of abattoirs these horses must pass on their journeys [from Romania to Italy] and the number of opportunities which could have been taken to end their suffering.

“But we are not squeaky clean in this country and I was also struck by the low number of abattoirs in the UK.”

She also touched on the problem of equine obesity, highlighted this week by a survey conducted by World Horse Welfare that showed an alarmingly small number of people recognise an overweight horse and the health implications it can have for its wellbeing.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said: “Most of the cases our 16 field officers see are not caused by cruel intentions, rather ignorance.

“But owners and keeper have to act to avert horrific suffering [from obesity] in the future.”

He said the charity was changing its emphasis from being reactive to become more proactive.

“We must remember that our research into vaccinations and cures for illnesses does not negate the need for basic knowledge,” added the Princess.

Visit the Make a Noise and Right Weight campaigns on the World Horse Welfare website, www.worldhorsewelfare.org.

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World Horse Welfare has handed its petition to the European Commission calling for the end of the long-distance transportation of horses to slaughter.

More than 130,000 people in Britain and the Continent supported the Make A Noise petition, which was handed in to the EU in Brussels on 30 September.

Currently, 100,000 horses are transported long-distance across Europe to slaughter every year in inhumane conditions, causing exhaustion, dehydration, injury and stress.

The charity’s director of campaigns and communications Jo White said: “The demonstration of public support for this campaign has been overwhelming.

“It’s an issue that people are very passionate about, mainly because it’s a totally unnecessary cause of suffering on a huge scale.

“Every time we undertake a field trip to gather evidence and monitor the practice, we witness many incidents of pain and distress — which must and can be stopped.

“Hopefully, the petition will be the catalyst for change. The regulation urgently needs to be amended if welfare is to improve.

“A short, finite journey limit and improved space allowance, coupled with enforcement is the only way to stop current suffering. Ultimately we are asking for a carcase-only trade, which is entirely possible.”

The petition was handed over to the Commission during a reception at the European Parliament, sponsored by Liz Lynne MEP. The Commission also accepted the charity’s dossier of evidence last November and has demonstrated a keen interest in this issue.

Liz Lynne MEP said: “It is vital that EU Governments and the EU Commission act quickly to ensure that rules aimed at improving conditions are properly enforced, with punishments to match.”

People can still help World Horse Welfare Make A Noise, by sending a postcard directly to the President of the European Commission. These can be obtained by calling 01953 497226 or by visiting www.worldhorsewelfare.org.

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WORLD Horse Welfare has submitted a large file of evidence to the European Commission in support of changes it is requesting to the laws governing the long distance live transport of horses for slaughter.

The file draws together 7 years’ worth of desk research by the charity, scientists and vets with evidence gathered on field trips. But it is underpinned by a pioneering scientific study into the health and welfare of horses travelling across Europe and arriving in Italy carried out by a team of vets on behalf of World Horse Welfare this summer.

David Marlin, who spearheaded the project, told H&H: “It’s clear from looking at the data that transporting a horse for slaughter is just about the worst thing you can do.

“Unlike transporting cattle and sheep commercially, horses have a greater risk of injury and don’t come off so well psychologically.”

He said the charity’s research confirms that transporting a horse will exacerbate any problems — from lameness to respiratory disease — in any equine from racehorses and sport horses to slaughter horses.

He added: “And the less care you take and the further you go the more problems you’re going to have.”

World Horse Welfare has submitted with its dossier of evidence a list of 8 recommendations for change to the current legislation to improve the welfare of horses transported for slaughter in Europe. It has also called for better enforcement — H&H witnessed first hand the overt flaunting of the rules on a field trip in July.

“The European Commission asked us for hard data as evidence for recommendations for change, and this is what they’ve been given,” said the charity’s director of campaigns, Jo White

Ms White and her colleagues submitted the file to the EC in Strasbourg on Tuesday (18 November), where it will now be considered by veterinary advisors.

Key points discovered this summer

• 26% of horses arriving in Italy for slaughter were obese
• One in three horses arriving in Italy had cuts that resulted directly from transport
• 471 of 1271 horses arriving in Italy were considered unfit for transport — double the number leaving Romania
• 90% of horses arriving in Italy considered unfit for transport had more than one clinical sign of disease
• Only one third of horses transported to Italy for slaughter had access to water prior to their journey
• Horses lose on average 0.36% of their body weight per hour, so it would take 14 hours of transport for a horse to become severely dehydrated.
• Vets saw a high level of resistance in horses to loading (63%) and unloading (66%)

Recommendations for changes to EU regulation

• Horses are reclassified separately from farm animals
• Short, finite journey times to be imposed — maximum 12 hours, with feed and water corresponding with driver rest breaks, every 4.5hours
• Minimum space allowance to be made, with separate set distances between horse and partition for large horses, heavy framed ponies, light-framed ponies, unbroken horses and mares and foals
• Partitions to be defined — full length, to the floor, of a rigid construction and padded material with no sharp edges or metal, wood or plastic surfaces. Ideally positioned in herringbone pattern.
• New definition of unbroken to be agreed — “equidea that cannot be tied, led by a halter, loaded, unloaded, partitioned and/or transported without causing undue excitement, stress, pain or suffering”
• There is strict enforcement of regulations
• Detailed records and journey plans to be kept, verified by GPS and cross-referenced
• Compulsory 24-hour rest to take place, off the vehicle, with access to feed and water immediately on entry to the EU on health and welfare grounds

www.worldhorsewelfare.org

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The Scottish Government has agreed to support demands for strict enforcement of European rules regulating the transportation of live horses for slaughter.

Thousands of horses are transported for the human meat market each year, many undergoing journeys of more than 1,500 miles in packed lorries. Rules on feeding, watering and rest periods are often ignored.

World Horse Welfare is campaigning for tightening in the rules and updates on the legislation.

“In this day and age there can be no justification for 100,000 horses being inhumanely transported for slaughter each year in intolerable conditions and it is up to politicians at all levels of government to continue to press for action on this issue,” said John Scott MSP, the Scottish Conservatives’ spokesman on rural affairs.

Mr Scott, who has the backing of more than 40 other MSPs for a parliamentary motion calling for a tightening of welfare rules, raised the matter during Question Time in the Scottish Parliament on 6 November.

In his response, Rural Affairs Minister Richard Lochhead agreed to contact the European Commission to seek action to secure the proper enforcement of current welfare regulations.

Mr Scott welcomed the minister’s response, but went on to call for further improvements.

“I do however want to see the Government take a further step and give its support to an overall strengthening of the regulations, including the introduction of short finite journey limits and, ultimately, to support an end to the practice of long-distance transportation of horses to slaughter.”

Emma Cook, World Horse Welfare’s head of campaigns and European affairs, added: “We have been heartened to see cross-party support in Scotland for an end to this inhumane and unnecessary trade. We now hope to see real progress in Europe.”

To back World Horse Welfare’s campaign, visit www.makeanoise.org.uk

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Read blog: day one

Read blog: day two

Read blog: day three

Read blog: day four

It’s the last day of a very long journey. I wake up shattered, despite managing a good eight hours’ sleep — I can’t imagine how those horses feel.

We drive for two hours towards the Italian coastline. Suddenly, the temperature soars — it’s 30c by the time we reach the staging post at Trieste, on the border with Italy and Slovenia.

Trieste staging post

The chief vet Manlio Palei and staging post manager Luigi “Gigi” Marrocco greet us openly. They know Jo from before, as does the man looking after the horses. Four lorries arrived yesterday from Poland, and are in a clean barn, well bedded with thick straw, cooled by fans. They have plentiful hay and are watered every three hours.

Despite the good conditions, we see signs of severe exhaustion — one palomino is so tired he is neither eating nor drinking. Even when I touch him, he barely registers.

Others have cuts, rubbed tails, and are shifting their weight from leg to leg, unable to get comfortable.

They are all so beautiful — I can’t spot one ugly, common-looking horse among the 100-odd there. Flaxen manes and tails, palominos, liver chestnuts, bright bays, duns — I imagine them in a show-ring at home. It’s heart-breaking.

Gigi says they see about 10 horse trucks per week, all of them Polish transporters, occasional Italian or Croatians, but no Romanian (despite it being the second biggest exporter of horses for slaughter in Europe). An average of 2,000 horses stop here each year.

Manlio says the live horse trade is decreasing, and thanks to the new regulations, they are now seeing fewer problems. But — the horses here are the lucky ones. If 2,000 are stopping here from a total of 84,000 coming into Italy each year — think how many go without the rest they should legally have.

A look inside a lorry

We’re shown by one Polish driver around his lorry — it can hold 18 horses, and is the best transporter in the business. He says it holds 300ltr of water, the buckets are clean and obviously used, it has plenty of straw inside and he has pitchforks and brooms neatly tied to the roof. I feel encouraged that some transporters are adhering to the law.

But I’m startled by how confined the partitions are — the driver indicates that it has two settings for bigger horses, but even then, there’s barely room for me inside, I can’t imagine how a horse feels standing pinned in for 24hours.

Jo says that before the regulations came in, lorries carried 25 to 28 each. With partitions, they average 18-20.

Last stopping post

We drive 40min north to Gorizia, a different facility altogether. This is also a customs and excise point, and we have just 15 minutes to look around, though we’re permitted to film and take photographs. We are asked to don plastic boots first, and then look around the barns of horses. There are five trucks here, all from Poland again.

This time, the horses aren’t in such good shape — they look shattered, dehydrated and utterly broken. I see cuts, snotty noses and desperately unhappy animals.

As Jo and I walk through one barn, I touch a couple on the nose. After everything they’ve been through, they come forward, ears pricked, asking me what I can offer. It breaks my heart.

Jo puts her hand on one horse’s face, and he lowers his head. Tears fill her eyes and I hear her repeat to herself: “don’t touch them Jo, don’t touch them.”

Horse after horse, I photograph and apologise to. “I’m sorry for what humans are doing to you, I’m so sorry.”

One lorry, loaded with horses, pulls past me. It’s the most haunting sight of the trip yet — a row of heads, ears all pricked, looking out of the side. They’re wondering, in that horsey way, where they are going — expectant and interested. They have no idea. I feel very sick.

We make our thank yous and leave. At a garage just down the road we stop to refuel, pick up water — it’s now 32c and very humid — and film the ending to my video diary.

The lucky horses will have just a four or five-hour drive to a slaughterhouse in Northern Italy — others could be bound for Sicily, and have a 12hr journey and boat trip to contend with before reaching their fate.

In front of the camera, I find it hard to express how I feel. I am utterly flat and let down that this trade goes on. I’ve no idea whether I convey this adequately in what I say, sitting in the front seat of the car that has been our home for five days. We’ve slept, eaten, and drank adequately along the way and we are all shattered.

And we do much worse to horses.

Watch Abigail’s video diary

The journey in pictures

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Read blog: day one

Read blog: day two

Read blog: day three

My alarm goes off at 7.30am — I’ve had four hours’ sleep. But rather than feel grumpy, as I would at home, my first thought is for that poor mare and foal we saw on the lorry last night. I wonder where they are.

We’re back at the staging post by 10.30am, and spend the morning hanging around in case another lorry comes in, but it doesn’t.

Slovenia gets proactive

This afternoon we drive over the border to Slovenia (which takes two minutes) to meet with Slovenia veterinary inspector Mladen Tomsic. Mladen runs a mobile unit of three vets who do random checks on animal transporters.

He explains to us that it was set up in 2004 when Slovenia joined the EU:

“When Slovenia entered the EU, border stations ceased to work and animals were being transported the whole way across Europe, with Slovenia at the end of this,” he says. “It is a large transit country and we saw the worst cases — animals that had died of thirst, hunger, many injuries.”

The vets have the powers of police to pull lorries over, to check they are in working order, that the animals they are carrying are healthy and all their documentation.

Sadly, he admits the lorries who don’t comply with EU rules re-route via Austria, and that they can’t stay in one place for long, because the drivers are all in radio-contact with each other, and send out warnings if they’re pulled over.

Thursday is a busy day for horses passing through the country: our Slovenian translator, Urska, passed six horse trucks on the way to meet us.

Inspections in progress

We follow Mladen and his colleagues as they work. At a motorway junction, they pull over two trucks — one a four-decker carrying 700 lambs. It is compliant and goes on its way. Then a horse truck, with 19 horses from Poland, on its way to do a 24-hour rest stop in Northern Italy. They are checked and waved on.

Then we move on, to sit by a roundabout in a village. Five minutes goes past before a Polish horse truck comes past. There are 20 horses on board, and they should have a bucket each. Water should be given to them via hosepipes from a tank on the roof, but the vets find two stalls without buckets and another has a cracked hosepipe.

The drivers open the back and one climbs over the back of the horses to put the two extra buckets in.

I watch in absolute horror as one horse goes berserk. The lorry, heavy as it is, rocks from side to side, and as the sound of kicking, scrabbling and panic grows stronger my heart jumps, my hands go up to my face in horror.

I look at Jo, tears in my eyes — her face says it all. This happens.

At the mercy of humankind

Long after the driver has climbed out the horse continues to panic — it just wants to get out of the lorry and this situation — it seems so symbolic to me. These horses can’t do anything about their plight — they are completely at our mercy.

The drivers catch sight of us filming from a distance — they clearly don’t like it and I feel a bit nervous.

Afterwards, Mladen explains the drivers were issued a €400 fine which they paid on the spot — and if they’re caught with malfunctioning watering equipment again the penalty will be more severe.

We drive on, subdued, through Slovenia towards Ljubliana. Just before we’re due to pull off the motorway, having driven fast for three hours, we finally catch up with the horse lorry. It was driving at 90kmph — we overtake and film it as it passes. The driver hoots at us — again I’m nervous they’ll recognise the car in Italy.

We’re shattered and in bed by 10pm.

Read blog: day five

Watch Abigail’s video diary

The journey in pictures

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Read blog: day one

Read blog: day two

Up again at 5.30am to drive on to the Hungary/Slovenia border. There’s another staging post here, and we can sit beside the road and watch for lorries — they should all pass along here.

The guys manning this staging post show us their logs — it’s the same story as at Zebrzydowice. Several hundred animals used to pass through here each month, now it’s little more than 100. So far in July, only two trucks with horses have stopped and unloaded for 24 hours.

The staging post staff report very few lorries stopping here from Romania, with the odd lorry from Belarus. For some reason there are far fewer stopping during the summer — their logs show that 17 passed by in February.

About one horse needs to be euthanased each month here — we don’t have a translator here but the guys indicate a broken leg.

Passing the time

Again, the staff are again very friendly and open. It must be such a boring job now — they’re sitting waiting in a small hut, and do 24-hour shifts either watching television or sleeping. They’re delighted to have company and, despite having no common language, we share a coffee and some chocolate.

Outside, the smile disappearing from her face, Jo says seeing the year-on-year drop in the numbers of trucks stopping after these countries joined the EU is “quite frightening”.

“We knew it was happening, but you really see it dropping year-on-year,” she says.

The fact that we haven’t come across any horses at these staging posts tells a tale, but I’m becoming anxious to see things that I’ve been reporting on during my five years at Horse & Hound — we’ve come all this way and seen nothing transported yet.

We spend the rest of the day waiting by the road, watching for trucks but see nothing. After supper, we visit the staging post again — their logs say most lorries stop at night — still nothing.

My first view of horses in transit

It’s 1am Thursday morning and I’ve been in bed for half an hour, trying to drop off to sleep. Jo calls me from her room — the guys at the staging post have rung to say a shipment of horses has turned up for feed and water. They won’t be staying long, so we’re there within 10 minutes.

Seeing these horses, I really wasn’t prepared for how I would feel. There are 26 donkeys, stuffed in with two foals with barely any headroom, in one trailer. In the second are 13 horses, tightly packed in between partitions, another foal. I had no idea how cramped the partitions are, and they look exhausted.

“They’re normally whinnying,” said Jo, “but you can tell how tired they are because they’re silent.”

This truck is from Romania, and unlike the heavy horses we saw in Poland, these are older, working horses and look more like what we’d see at home. I help to put hay through the bars, listen to them slurping the water. They’ve been on this lorry for 30 hours. I’m subdued and choked by emotions.

I can’t describe how I feel: these animals are completely at our mercy.

Finally get to bed past 3am.

Watch Abigail’s video diary

The journey in pictures

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This morning we’re visiting the staging post at Zebrzydowice, in Poland close to the border with the Czech Republic.

We’ve had a good night’s sleep and hearty breakfast, but my mind is all the time on the horses we saw at the market yesterday — they’ll be waiting in collection centres ready to start their trip, and horses from Lithuania will already be on the road.

A staging post is where transporters stop to rest, feed and water animals — either after an eight-hour drive for just enough time to be given food and water, or, if they’ve been driving for 24 hours, they should, by law, stop for 24 hours.

Business is bad at the staging post

Zebrzydowice is eerie, empty and gives me a very strange feeling. Knowing how many animals have passed through here, their lives totally in the hands of the men transporting them, completely at their mercy.

Zdzislaw Sztymon, managing director since 1986, explains that since the arrival of free movement when Poland joined the EU in 2004, business has been bad. Without the border controls and their permanent veterinary inspections, lorries can keep going on the road, and are not checked.

He says mostly Lithuanian trucks stop here — one or two a week — Polish trucks only stop if they have a problem. Because of the bad business, he says the staging post will close at the end of the year.

World Horse Welfare’s Jo White says its closure will be “catastrophic” for welfare.

The current regulations

We discuss the current regulations. Mr Sztymon says all lorries now have individual partitions, but they are a double-edged sword. Though partition should extend to the floor, they often have a gap at the bottom, and if a horse falls it become wedged and badly injure or even break a leg.

But Jo explains that before partitions were introduced, one horse falling would bring the others down like dominos. Once down it is virtually impossible for them to get back to their feet.

I’m amazed by how open and friendly this man is, but he seems frank and honest and genuinely seems to care that the horses aren’t stopping as they should.

Then we set off on the road — across the Czech border and on into Slovakia. In the Czech Republic we pass an empty horse truck heading to Poland — the sight of them is beginning to chill me.

The long journey

It’s 9.30pm and we’ve been in the car for more than 12 hours. I’m bored, tired and want to stretch my legs, but it’s still two hours’ drive until the hotel in Hungary. But how can I complain? The horses have probably started out and will spend twice this time standing on a lorry, not knowing when they’ll stop.

Log on tomorrow (Saturday 2 August) for part three of Abigail’s diary

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What you can do to help

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It’s dawn as we drive up to the market at 4.30am. There are long queues of all kinds of vehicles waiting to get in — tractors towing tarpaulin-covered trailers, larger lorries, minibus-sized vans, horse-drawn trailers. Most of the lorries are axyl heavy and I wonder how many horses are crammed inside.

Inside the market, three meat wagons (pictured above right) are waiting to take horses on their journey south. Suddenly, it hits hard what I’m doing.

As the horses are unloaded, I’m surprised by how clean and unscathed they are — we see a few wounds, many poor feet and bad shoeing (it’s DIY here, people can’t afford to pay for a farrier). One that can’t put its hind leg down and World Horse Welfare’s director of campaigns, Jo White, thinks it has a fracture.

But, mostly, I’m shocked at the sheer size of them — these horses are really obese. They’re mainly mares and stallions, plus some youngsters.

A clean-looking Italian man with designer glasses is making the deals and farmers cluster around him. It’s all men here, and our interpreter boldly listens to their bartering. Surprisingly, the horses are selling for between 2,000-5,000 (about £500-£1,200) Polish zlotych.

About 28,000 horses are exported from Poland each year — and the ones sold here are either old working horses or youngsters raised specifically for meat.

It’s all over by 8am, and, after watching the loaded meat wagons drive away, we visit a couple of farms with horses for sale.

One old woman farmer has a mare tethered in a small barn. The horse has drastically overgrown front feet — they haven’t been cut in a year.

I ask how long she’s been standing there: “a couple of years” comes the reply. I feel sick.

We then visit a farm where the owner sits on the local horse board. He has two very fat, in-foal mares tethered and munching away at hay, two youngsters in a box together, and two stallions. He’s proud of them, but although they’re well cared for, they’re all startlingly and grotesquely fat.

At the next farm, it’s the same story: three youngsters tethered in a barn and a mare and foal loose in one end. When I look through the slats of her door, she bares her teeth and charges at me.

The last place we visit stinks. Ammonia levels in the dark barn are high and there are half a dozen youngsters ranging from five to eight months, tethered to troughs. In another barn is a mare with thick discharge coming from her nostrils. She has a foal at foot, and they’re both fetlock-deep in foul, wet manure and have swollen hind legs.

I realise why all the horses at the market are so fat and unscathed —they’re tied up their whole lives, and fed endless hay and grain.

They have no muscle at all. Jo tells me that travelling for 24 hours (the current legal EU limit before the horses need to be rested off the lorry) is the same as walking for 24 hours — these animals have never done any exercise.

Our Polish contact explains later that the situation is improving, and many welfare problems are born of ignorance and economics.

These farmers operate just to make ends meet — they don’t dream of making a profit. Simply raising one extra horse could put food on their plate.

We drive on four hours to the Poland/Czech Republic border for supper and to sleep.

Read the second part of Abigail’s daily blog on HorseandHound.co.uk tomorrow (Friday 1 August)

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Join Horse & Hound’s news editor Abigail Butcher on her journey following the trucks that transport live horses from countries like Poland, through Europe to Italy, where the horses are slaughtered for their meat.

Read Abigail’s first diary

The journey in pictures

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I am holding my face in my hands in horror. Over the roar of lorries thundering past I can hear a horse going berserk inside the truck parked 25m away. The vehicle is weighed down with its cargo of 19 heavy horses, but it still shakes violently as the animal panics.

I’m in Slovenia, two-thirds of the way through a 1,700-mile journey from Poland to Italy with World Horse Welfare, tracking the live long-distance transport of horses across Europe.

With tears in my eyes, I turn to the charity’s director of campaigns, Jo White, who has taken this trip before. Her face says it all; neither of us can speak.

It’s Thursday 24 July — my colleagues will be watching the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead — and the Slovenian translator with us has already passed six of these horse lorries on the road.

Some 100,000 horses are imported into and across the EU — with 84% going to Italy each year, mainly from Poland, Romania and Lithuania, but some from Belarus, the Ukraine and Croatia. The journey can take four to five days and, since a number of these countries joined the EU in 2004 and 2007, the abolition of border controls mean they face one long open road across Europe.

In January 2007, new laws to regulate this barbaric, unnecessary trade were introduced, but they are still openly flouted. Paid to get as many horses to their destination as fast as possible, some drivers do this journey without stopping — or giving the horses any food or water.

Read Abigail’s first diary

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The journey in pictures

What should happen

Since 1 January 2007, the following rules have applied to horses transported in the EU, but are flouted, bent or not clearly defined.

Rule: Horses must be fit to travel

Abuse: Inspecting vet often “too close” to farmers to sign a horse as unfit

Rule: Horses must be transported in single, full partitions in journeys over eight hours

Abuse: Partitions, still tight, rarely extend to the floor, so horses can get stuck beneath if they fall. Different sized horses need different sized partitions

Rule: A minimum headroom must be given

Abuse: We saw donkeys without enough headroom

Rule: Unbroken horses cannot be transported for over eight hours

Abuse: “Unbroken” is not clearly defined and it’s virtually impossible to verify status of animals once loaded; youngstock frequently travel illegally

Rule: Horses must be given liquid and if necessary fed every eight hours on the road

Abuse: Lorries now carry water and food but it’s hard to prove whether it is given to horses en route. Re-stocking takes time and money. A tachograph can register a “stop” every eight hours, but a driver could just have refuelled the vehicle and had coffee

Rule: Horses must be given 24hr rest for every 24hr travel

Abuse: Only a fraction of the 100,000 horses crossing the EU each year stop at the two staging posts. One official said there is a “big problem” with Romanian transporters: “They just go, go, go,” he said. “Occasionally police stop and fine them, but they carry on”

How you can help

World Horse Welfare want the EC regulations tightened and enforced, and an ultimate end to the live trade.

And we can help. Director of campaigns Jo White and colleagues drafted changes for the regulations introduced in 2007, and know more can be done. The charity is not trying to stop the slaughter of horses for meat, but believes that until slaughter at source is made mandatory, these animals will continue to suffer.

The EC is starting to review the regulations now — looking at stocking density, journey times and enforcement, among other issues.

The charity needs people to support its campaign, Make a Noise, write to their MP and MEP and sign the petition (see pages 59 and 83) calling for changes.

“We want people to give us a call and to get involved,” said Jo.

For more details, call 01953 498682 or see www.makeanoise.co.uk

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An online petition was launched last week as the first part of a major campaign by international charity World Horse Welfare (WHW) to halt the live transportation of horses across Europe for slaughter.

WHW — formerly known as the International League for the Protection of Horses — has been campaigning to put an end to the live slaughter trade since its foundation by Ada Cole in 1911.

The petition calls upon the European Commission to end the trade during its review of animal transport laws next year.

“The EC has requested we lobby them hard on this issue — if they have a very strong show of public support it will be easier for them to speak to member states,” said Emma Cook, WHW head of campaigns.

Under existing regulations — EU Council Regulation No1/2005 — horses destined for slaughter travelling for more than eight hours must be offered food and water every eight hours. They must also stop for food, water and rest after 24hr on the road for a period of 24hr, and must each be separated by individual partitions. There is no maximum journey limit.

“We have evidence that the regulation is routinely flouted with lorries not stopping during the journey, and horses travelling in mixed groups of stallions, mares and geldings of all sizes,” said Jo White, WHW director of campaigns.

“As well as working to end the trade, we’re lobbying for a short, finite journey limit meaning that no horses are transported for days across Europe.”

Miss White added: “In the short-term we’re campaigning for rigorous enforcement of existing legislation so horses are properly rested, fed and watered during these journeys.”

At present, the biggest exporter of horses for slaughter is Poland, followed by Spain and Romania, the majority of which — 84 per cent — travel to southern Italy.

WHW wants to gather at least 100,000 signatures to present to the Commission, and is asking the British public to write letters to their own MPs and MEPs requesting them to raise the matter urgently.

WHW already has the support of a number of cross-party MEPs and the government.

A Defra spokesman told H&H: “The UK will be taking an active part in the regulation review, and will work with equine and welfare organisations on how best to take things forward.

“The government’s preference is for a trade in meat rather than the long-distance transport of animals for slaughter — but a ban on the export of animals for slaughter is not an option because it breaches EU free trade rules.”

The spokesman added that Defra has no record of horses being exported for slaughter from Britain for “many years”.

During a recent debate “Transportation of Horses for Slaughter” in the House of Lords, government spokesman Lord Davies of Oldham said there are “weaknesses [in the t legislation], such as the length of time for which horses are in these vehicles without any rest or relief. We should have maximum limits on the length of time that horses travel.”

The petition and a sample letter to send to MPs, together with more details on the campaign — Make a Noise — is online at www.makeanoise.co.uk

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (5 June, ’06)

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A new global campaign calling for an end to the long-distance transport of live animals for slaughter was launched last month.

The Handle with Care campaign is led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals with support from Compassion in World Farming, RSPCA and International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH).

It aims to bring an end to the transport of more than 100,000 horses a year in Europe.

The Handle with Care coalition has released a shocking undercover film at www.handlewithcare.tv

An ILPH spokesman told H&H: “We urge the public to contact the European Commission while we are presenting the governments with ways to end this trade.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (6 March, ’08)

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The International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) is undertaking pioneering research into the effects of long-distance travel on horses.

Little scientific evidence exists detailing how horses react to long journeys, says Joanne White of the ILPH. What little research there is relates to horses that are used to travelling, such as competition horses.

So the charity, which is campaigning for an end to long journeys to slaughter for 100,000 horses each year in Europe, has commissioned its own six-month investigation, to assist its campaigns.

From next spring, experts will monitor horses travelling between Romania and Italy for the meat market, as they leave or at the end of their journey, which can take four days.

“Transport to slaughter is worlds apart from transportation of sport horses,” said Miss White. “This investigation of horses destined for slaughter will be the first in Europe.”

European regulations, which came into force on 5 January this year, demand improvements for horses travelling to slaughter, including the provision of single partitions in boxes, rest breaks and avoiding mixed age or sex groups.

But an ILPH field team in Romania last summer found that not one lorry seen at the rest stations complied with the new rules. As a result the horses the team found were suffering with dehydration, exhaustion and injuries.

“The ILPH wishes to obtain scientifically valid evidence of the impact on the welfare of horses being transported for slaughter over long distances under the new EU regulation,” said Miss White.

The charity has also launched a new campaign — Make a Noise — asking its members and supporters to put transport to slaughter back on the political agenda, with profile-raising events and contact with MPs and MEPs.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (25 October, ’07)

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THE International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) is stepping up its fight against the live transport of horses for slaughter by employing two full-time investigators to monitor travel conditions across Europe.

On 5 January, new EU regulations were introduced to tighten existing Welfare of Animals in Transport legislation laid down in 1995 (news, 30 November 2006). While the ILPH successfully lobbied for the introduction of partitions for journeys of more than 8hr, no changes were made to 1995 rules on rest periods, overall journey times and space per animal.

“Enforcement is our immediate concern,” said ILPH veterinary advisor Keith Meldrum, former chief vet for DEFRA. “We have anecdotal evidence that the rest periods aren’t being met — but we need to back this up.”

Under the regulations, horses can be transported only for 24hr.

“If after these journey times the animals have not reached their destination, they must be unloaded, fed and watered and be rested for 24hr at an EU-approved control post,” a DEFRA spokesman told H&H. “During the journey, they must be given liquid and, if necessary, fed every 8hr. If, on reloading, an animal is assessed as unfit, then it should not continue the journey.”

The two ILPH investigators were hired late last autumn to monitor transport throughout the EU, including Britain. Their brief includes fact-finding about the slaughter trade across Europe, working with European charities, observation at EU checkpoints and other assignments.

EU member states (MS’s) are also required to ensure the transport regulation requirements are being complied with, by carrying out non-discriminatory inspections of animals, transport and accompanying documents.

Under the legislation, veterinary officials can also make spot checks — but the ILPH believes these are not being carried out.

View the ILPH live transport video

Read this news story in full in today’s Horse & Hound (22 February, ’07)

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New transport regulations from the European Union that come into force in the UK on 5 January 2007 have been described as “a step in the right direction” by the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH).

The Animal Welfare in Transport regulations are being introduced primarily to protect live animals being transported around Europe for slaughter.

Under the new rules, transporters must partition lorries to provide individual stalls, unbroken horses will not be allowed to make long journeys and people who drive lorries and handle horses must undergo thorough training. Breaking the regulations could incur a maximum penalty of £5,000 or six months’ imprisonment.

But the ILPH’s Phil Spiby told H&H he was “desperately disappointed” that the key issue of fixing the maximum journey time had not been addressed.He added: “These regulations have value only if they are enforced, so adequate provision to do this needs to be put into place.”

The ILPH is concerned that, otherwise, enforcement will be left to the welfare groups, working in tandem with trading standards.

The regulations will also have a knock-on effect throughout the equestrian community, as they apply to any animals being transported for “economic activity”. This means that people who travel two or more horses for any profit or gain will need to apply for an authorisation certificate from DEFRA, the government body responsible for implementing the legislation in the UK. This can be done online at the department’s website — www.defra.gov.uk

Unlike the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA), which at present has a strict interpretation of “economic activity” (clcik here to read more), DEFRA does not intend to include individuals who drive to shows at weekends as a hobby or transport a friend’s horses for £10 petrol money.

“Under the welfare rules, we do not consider people returning from shows with small to moderate prize-money to be undertaking an economic activity, rather it is transport for pleasure,” a DEFRA spokesman told H&H.

British Horse Industry Confederation (BHIC) consultant Cathy McGlynn said: “The scope of this goes much wider than the previous regulations. People such as livery yard owners who take horses to shows for clients for a charge will have to have an authorisation certificate.”

And there are acknowledged “grey areas” over whom the legislation applies to, such as amateur competition yards, breeders and amateur producers. These were discussed at a meeting in Brussels two weeks ago, attended by members of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), but there is no resolution or decision on how best to move forward.

“DEFRA admits that the only way to deal with these will be on a case-by-case basis,” added Ms McGlynn.

The BEF is currently working on clarifying transport guidelines for the horse industry, and is looking at the implications for sport horses.

“We will provide an overview of key points on our website — www.bef.co.uk — outlining the issues that may affect the equestrian industry,” said spokesman Anna Greenway.

• This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (30 November, ’06)

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Hopes for better conditions for slaughter were dashed last week when the European Union’s council of ministers failed to agree improvements to welfare conditions for farm animals in transport at a meeting in Luxembourg.

Although the European Parliament voted early last month for amendments to EU draft regulations on the Protection of Animals during Transport, the Council of Agricultural Ministers, who ultimately make the decision, were expected to be at loggerheads over the amendments, and discussions never got beyond the question of restricted journey times.

There is a fundamental conflict of commercial interest between more outlying countries such as Ireland, Italy and Spain, who export and import live animals for slaughter, and those such as Britain, Sweden and Denmark, who rank among those countries most concerned about animal welfare.

From a financial point of view, the former are opposed to shortened journey times because of the costly implications, and several countries, including Ireland, which holds the EU presidency, stressed that tighter restrictions on journey times would indeed harm their meat industry.

In a statement, the RSPCA was very clear about who stood to benefit and who stood to lose from the failure to resolve the issue:

“The welfare lobby was unable to persuade countries such as France, Spain and Italy who seemed determined to ignore animal suffering which can result from long distance live transport.

“Sadly, the 10 million animals transported across Europe every week will be the losers in all this as without significant amendment to the current law suffering will continue.”

The deadlock leaves a question mark over how Britain’s outdated minimum values rules, which at present have the de facto effect of preventing horses and ponies travelling abroad for slaughter, will be replaced or updated.

A DEFRA spokesman says: “We are back to sitting down and talking to the industry and the welfare groups, and we will see what we can do next. The priority remains that we won’t replace minimum values until we have something better.”

However, because the issue was not resolved last week, it has been set aside until the end of this presidency. A spokesman for the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) believes however that the question may not be raised again until July 2005, when the UK takes over the EU presidency:

“We are extremely disappointed by last week’s deadlock, and there is concern that welfare issues could worsen with the enlargement of the EU, and the loss of border controls.

“The UK takes over the presidency next year, which is good news as the issue can at least be put before the Council again, if it hasn’t already been,” she continued.

“In the meantime, we are looking to see whether there is an opportunity for unilateral action by the UK to bring in an opt-out for the UK.”

DEFRA animal welfare minister Ben Bradshaw said: “I am disappointed at the lost opportunity but the proposed changes would not have improved animal welfare significantly. The UK was seeking shorter journey times, more space and better ventilation, but the gap between countries was too great.”

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Reticence by DEFRA, and in particular minister for the horse Alun Michael, to grasp an offer by the EU to member states to opt out of exporting live horses for slaughter could still result in a resumption of the trade from the UK.

The European Parliament has voted for an amendment to EU draft regulations on the Protection of Animals during Transport that would allow individual states to ban, for moral reasons, the export of live horses.

The recommendation must still be accepted by the Council of Agricultural Ministers and the European Commission at the end of April, and must be reconciled legally, which experts believe is likely. However, a positive response by the British government is also required to secure an opt-out.

But Alun Michael baffled campaigners by denying that a complete opt-out is desirable or necessary. Only when under extreme pressure during a parliamentary debate last week did the minister concede that the option would be worth “looking at”.

He told Radio 4’s Farming Today: “Talking about a ban doesn’t achieve anything, and animal welfare organisations agree with the approach we are taking.”

But this claim was contradicted by events later the same day when James Gray MP rode into Parliament to highlight the issue on behalf of the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH).

At the heated parliamentary debate that followed, Tory and Lib Dem MPs spoke out in favour of taking up the opt-out from live export for moral reasons — an option also favoured by Denmark, Finland and possibly Holland.

James Gray MP, who answered the debate, said: “Alun Michael can’t shelter behind minimum values regulations, or the EU, or the gold plating of European transport law. We demand an absolute ban [on live export]: the minister should deserve his name of minister for the horse.”

But Alun Michael questioned the existence of a moral reason for banning live export of horses for slaughter. He also claimed that campaigners and press have misled the public by saying the trade could restart.

The ILPH, which delivered its “Say No to Live Exports” petition of 83,410 signatures to the president of the European Parliament last week, says that it was “encouraged” by Alun Michael’s commitment to look at an opt-out.

Read the full story in the current issue of Horse & Hound (8 April)

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An MP is to exercise his right to ride a horse into Parliament for the first time since the beginning of the last century as a sign of his support for the Say NO to Live Exports campaign run by International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH).

James Gray, the Conservative member for North Wiltshire, will ride his horse through Carriage Gates into Parliament at 1.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday). His main aim is to highlight a Westminster Hall debate, which takes place tomorrow afternoon and deals with rising concerns over the resumption of the live export of British horses and ponies for slaughter to European abattoirs.

“Debates can disappear into obscurity. I felt that it was very important to focus attention on this one, and so I mentioned to the ILPH that I would be delighted to be involved in such a stunt,” explains Mr Gray.

This morning, the European Parliament effectively concluded that the UK should be allowed an opt-out of the new regulations on moral grounds, but stressed that for any such opt-out to be put in place, the British government needs to show its commitment. The purpose of tomorrow’s debate will be to pressurise the government into acting.

ILPH campaigns manager, Jo White, explains the necessity for action: “The EU draft Regulation on the Protection of Animals during Transport is due to be considered by the council of Agricultural Ministers at the end of April.

“We are extremely concerned, as it contains no provisions to protect our horses and ponies from the live export for slaughter trade from which they have been protected for nearly 70 years.”

Although the government has suggested that the new draft Regulations will protect horses in the UK, Jo believes that the proposals are likely, if anything, to make the situation worse. Support in Brussels has been forthcoming, but support in Westminster is vital.

“The [European] Commission have stated that they would look at an opt-out for the UK if the Government proposed it. The European door is open, why is our government refusing to act to protect our horses?” she concludes.

The ILPH Say NO to Live Exports Campaign, launched in September 2003, has involved:

• An on-line and paper petition which currently holds 83,410 signatures. This is expected to go to the European Parliament at the end of this month when they will be looking at the Draft Regulation on Animal Welfare
• A letter writing campaign to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Rt. Hon. Margaret Beckett, asking the government to protect UK horses and ponies from the resumption of live exports
• A letter writing campaign to MPs and MEPs

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The Agricultural Committee of the European Parliament has responded positively to a proposed amendment to legislation covering livestock transport made by British MEP Neil Parish.

Legislation regarding the protection of animals during transport was on the agenda at a meeting of the Agricultural Committee last week, with the deadline for tabling amendments on Monday (23 February).

Since the publication last summer of new EU draft regulations on the protection of animals during transport, there has been growing concern about the possible resumption of exports from Britain to mainland Europe of horses and ponies for human consumption.

At present, the British government is enforcing the minimum values legislation, which prevents the export of horses and ponies under a certain value. But this legislation has come under the spotlight on the grounds that it contravenes free trade between member states.

The new EU regulations are due to come before the European Parliament before May, and amendments put forward will be considered by the parliament next month.

Neil Parish, MEP for the South West, says: “I put a question to the European Commission on the issue of horse export from the UK to Europe for slaughter. It is something that I am passionate about and have been working closely with various experts.

“The response from the Commission was positive – they said that they were already looking very closely at the possibility of countries like the UK getting a derogation and perhaps applying the minimum values rule.”

But lobbying organisations such as the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) would like to see a complete opt-out clause for Britain to protect all horses, ponies and donkeys from being sent abroad for slaughter.

Jo White, ILPH campaigns manager, says: “The issue in this legislation is the horses at the lower end of the market. The minimum values legislation at the moment is not ideal, and in our opinion, only a complete opt-out would provide protection for horses, ponies and donkeys in Britain.

“We are very encouraged by the commission’s positive response to the suggestion of an opt out clause for Britain, but this is by no means the end of the line. We need this to be clearly detailed in legislative terms so that there is no question of misinterpretation.”

The ILPH is encouraging people to put pressure on ministers and ensure that their concerns are voiced, both by writing letters to MPs and MEPs, and by signing the ILPH petition against the possible resumption of the live export of horses and ponies from Britain.

The petition can be found at: www.ilph.org. For further information or a campaign pack (tel: 0870 906 1927).

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