Bill published to ease burdens on equine industry
| Bill published to ease burdens on equine industry A new Bill to protect responsible owners of animals from unfair compensation claims has been published today. The Bill, introduced by Stephen Crabb, Conservative Member of Parliament for Preseli Pembrokeshire, is due to receive its Second Reading in the House of Commons on Friday, 14th March. |  |
Since announcing his intention to introduce a Bill on this matter, Stephen Crabb has received widespread support for it from a wide range of interested groups, including the British Horse Society, the National Farmers Union, the Country Land and Business Association and the Countryside Alliance. Additionally, the insurance industry and lawyers that have been involved in compensation cases have welcomed the Bill. The government has also indicated that it will be supporting the Bill. It is of particular interest to the equine industry, with gross output estimated at £3.4 billion per annum.
The Bill will undo the effect of the 2003 House of Lords ruling, in the Mirvahedy v Henley case, which has had a disastrous impact on equine businesses in particular, as a result of soaring insurance costs. Riding stables saw an increase of around 25% in the year after the ruling and overall insurance bills have risen by two thirds since 2003. industry due to the rise in insurance premiums.
Stephen decided to address the problem after hearing of the increased insurance burden facing the Llanwnda stables in his constituency in Pembrokeshire. Owner Mrs. Ingrid Evans has seen insurance premiums rise by over 800% in the last seven years, from £858 in 2001 to over £7000 today.
Stephen Crabb commented:
"The current interpretation of the law has caused enormous problems for animal owners, particularly for horse owners. My Bill will clarify the law in this complex area. It will ensure that responsible animal owners are better protected against compensation claims in cases where they were not at fault. With so many people enjoying horse riding, it is important that responsible owners are given the protection they deserve, while ensuring that victims can pursue claims against negligent owners and owners of dangerous animals."
CLA President, Henry Aubrey Fletcher, said:
"This is a vitally important Bill for all horse and animal owners and the CLA has been closely involved in the drafting of the Bill. Stephen Crabb must be congratulated because this Bill, if it becomes law could mean the difference between economic survival and bankruptcy for many equine businesses. "
Graham Cory, Chief Executive of The British Horse Society said:
"No-one argues that irresponsible animal owners should be protected from the consequences of their irresponsibility, but it is unfair that those who have done all that a reasonable person could be expected to do should be penalised for an event which they were powerless to prevent. Stephen Crabb's Bill will do much to redress the balance in the direction of fairness and common sense."
Simon Hart, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance added:
"The current situation when livestock farmers, owners of animals and riding schools can be sued for accidents over which they have no control is blatantly unfair. This Bill will encourage responsibility and boost rural businesses."
Barney Holbeche, Chief Parliamentary Adviser to the NFU said:
"The NFU is pleased to support Stephen Crabb's Bill. The Animals Act struck an appropriate balance between the rights of members of the public and the keepers of animals like farmers which was subsequently disturbed in the courts; we are encouraging MPs and peers to restore this balance by passing the Bill into law."
Added on: 11/03/08.
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