Increased RSPCA Presence at Appleby Horse Fair
The RSPCA is on-hand with an increased number of inspectors at this year's Appleby Horse Fair, the first to take place since the Animal Welfare Act 2006* became law.
A 12-strong team is working with Eden District Council and Cumbria Constabulary to minimise suffering and promote animal welfare at the five-day event, where around 1,500 horses will be bought and sold.
About 25,000 visitors are expected to flock to Appleby, Cumbria, between Thursday 7 and Monday 13 June, to watch Romany, Gypsy and travelling communities wash horses in the River Eden and race them in front of prospective buyers.
RSPCA chief inspector Brian Jeffries said: "There are always a large number of horses at the fair and huge potential for their welfare to be compromised. Our team will be putting in long hours to prevent any suffering, and offer advice.
"This year we've brought along two extra inspectors to help improve awareness and understanding of the new Animal Welfare Act and what it means."
Particular areas of concern, and the improvements the RSPCA has made, include:
> Access to the River Eden (where horses are washed en masse) is very steep and could cause injury. The RSPCA is supplying a temporary ramp to help prevent accidents. Most of the funding for a permanent one has now been secured, and this should be the last year this particular risk will exist.
> Horse-drawn carts are sometimes driven quickly downhill towards the river, putting the animal in danger. The presence of video cameras and RSPCA inspectors has helped prevent this behaviour in the past, and this will continue this year.
>Horses are trotted at speed in both directions in Long Marton Road to show them off to prospective buyers. This is known as 'flashing'. In the past, horses have been injured when they have crashed into each other. This year roadside barriers are being used in an effort to segregate them.
>The use of bearing reins (straps that prevent a horse stretching or lowering its head) can stop the animal breathing properly and looking from side to side. The RSPCA continues to work with horse-owners to improve the situation.
>The presence of RSPCA equine consultants David McDowell and David Muir, plus a team of other vets, who will be manning a stand on horse welfare.
As well as increasing the penalties for those who inflict the most serious offences, the Animal Welfare Act which came into force on 6 April in England - makes it a legal requirement for owners to meet the needs of their animals, which includes:
- a proper diet (food and water)
- somewhere suitable to live
- any need to be housed with or apart from other animals - the ability to express normal behaviour protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
Appleby Horse Fair was first held in 1685 and is one of the key gathering points for Romany, Gypsy and travelling communities.
Original Article & Copyright: www.politics.co.uk
Added on: 11/06/07. Views: 1628
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