Horse owners and carers are encouraged to have their say on proposed new standards to support the wellbeing of horses in Western Australia.
The State Government has released the draft Standards and Guidelines for the Health and Welfare of Horses in Western Australia for public comment.
The document sets out the minimum standards for owners and people in charge of horses to follow to ensure the health and welfare of horses in their care.
It also provides guidelines and additional information to further promote positive animal welfare outcomes.
The document encompasses:
- general care, including health and management;
- the conditions under which horses are kept and handled;
- events; and
- natural disasters.
Separately, national standards and guidelines are being reviewed which cover the transportation of horses.
The WA Government is leading the nation by developing comprehensive standards and guidelines for all horses, which will potentially provide a model for new national standards.
There were renewed calls for standards to be developed in 2019, following a report into the treatment of retired racehorses.
To view the proposed horse standards and guidelines in WA and to provide feedback, visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s engagement website at https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/animalwelfare/standards-and-guidelines-health-and-welfare-horses-wa
The consultation period closes Monday, 19 December.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“As working and companion animals, horses have an important place in the lives of many Western Australians.
“The horse standards and guidelines aim to promote humane and considerate treatment of horses, set a minimum industry standard, and inform all people in charge of horses about their responsibility.
“These proposed standards and guidelines have been developed in consultation with experts in horse management, welfare, and veterinary science to help ensure all animals receive appropriate husbandry and care.
“We welcome the help of the WA community to improve the health and welfare of horses in our State.
“There have also long been calls for a uniform set of national standards and guidelines for horses, and I look forward to working with my State and Federal counterparts to implement this in the future.”
