|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
EQUINE WELFARE - an ever evolving issue
by by Jess Holmes and Portland Jones
Australia rode into the twentieth century on the back of the horse. And while there is no longer a need for the equine in a day to day existence the historical, social and emotional ties to the horse are so strong that even in the hustle and bustle of our highly technical, modern lives not only has a strong attachment to the horse been retained but each year more and more people are choosing to own one. The increase in the horse population has allowed more money to be channelled into research and development and this, in turn, has given us a greater understanding of the horse and what makes him tick physically and mentally.
Horse ownership is quite inexpensive in Australia when compared to other countries and our relatively stable economy means that horse riding is not necessarily an elitist sport and that horse ownership is within the reach of many. On paper, at least, at no other time in history have Australians been in a better position to own, train and manage horses.
However, it’s not all plain sailing for the horse. In the past year the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has received 196 horses into care, an increase of almost 14% over the previous year; and the numbers are steadily rising. This figure represents the tip of the neglect iceberg, as it does not include horses that were surrendered voluntarily or those that were passed into the care of the many other welfare agencies that operate in Australia.
Of even more concern are figures obtained from abattoirs that show that 60% of horses sent for slaughter are seven years of age or younger. When considered in conjunction with the number of horses that can be seen at horse shows and events in extreme states of anxiety or with marks from either the bit or spurs or taking part in extremely high risk sports such as steeplechasing or suffering from stress related illnesses such as gastric ulceration, its easy to conclude that all is not as well as one may think it is in the horse industry.
It’s difficult to determine why horse welfare is such a widespread problem. Surely, all people who own horses love them? Surely no one would get into horses without being passionate about them, as buying a horse takes a significant investment of time, effort and money. And no one who was legally sane would spend the excessive number of hours required bouncing on his or her nether regions, being yapped at by a jodhpur clad harridan learning to rise to the trot. Or indeed having their feet trodden on, mucking out and feeding every single day of the year; rain, hail or heatwave, unless they really, truly and deeply loved the horse. So there must be something else going on…
Welfare in Performance
The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) is the international governing body for equestrian sports. The FEI runs the World Cup for jumping, dressage, driving and eventing, holds the World Equestrian Games every four years and is associated with the administration of equestrian sports at the highest level all around the world. The FEI has developed a code of conduct for equestrian sport that has been widely adopted by equestrian clubs and associations.
There are ten rules in the code and nine of them relate directly to the welfare of the horse:
• In all equestrian sports the horse must be considered paramount.
• The well-being of the horse shall be above the demands of breeders, trainers, riders, owners, dealers, organisers, sponsors or officials.
• All handling and veterinary treatment must ensure the health and welfare of the horse.
• The highest standards of nutrition, health, sanitation and safety shall be encouraged and maintained at all times.
•Adequate provision must be made for ventilation, feeding, watering and maintaining a healthy environment during transportation.
• Emphasis should be placed on increasing education in training and equestrian practices and on promoting scientific studies in equine health.
• In the interests of the horse, the fitness and the competence of the rider shall be regarded as essential.
• All riding and training methods must take account of the horse as a living entity and must not include any technique considered by the FEI to be abusive.
• National Federations should establish adequate controls in order that all persons and bodies under their jurisdiction respect the welfare of the horse.
• The national and international Rules and Regulations in equestrian sport regarding the health and welfare of the horse must be adhered to not only during national and international events, but also in training. Competition Rules and Regulations shall be continually reviewed to ensure such welfare.
What is interesting about the Code of Conduct is that it exists in the first place and that the FEI obviously sees the need to so strongly and unequivocally state the ways in which the welfare of the horse must be defended. Surely the people who compete in equestrian sports at FEI level are horse lovers and surely all horse lovers have their horse’s welfare as their first priority?
The answer lies not in the nature of horse people but in the notion of welfare. There will always be breaches of welfare because what constitutes a welfare violation is not always clear. It’s one of those curly moral questions that has been loosely defined by law (often different in each state) but largely left up to interpretation by the individual. Horses perform in so many different training arenas that, within each discipline exists separate and unwritten guidelines for what constitutes fair and ethical treatment of the horse, and there are just so many grey areas. For instance, its apparently appropriate to slaughter a perfectly healthy four year old racehorse if it isn’t fast enough but would it be OK to euthanase an otherwise healthy four year old Arabian simply because it wasn’t pretty enough? Is it OK to be horrified at steeple chasing because horses die doing it when horses break down and have to be euthanased in other sports all of the time? And if Rex Hunt were catching cute little pony foals by hooking their lips with steel barbs and watching them writhe in agony on the end of a line, would he be quite as popular?
While what constitutes fair and ethical treatment of the horse can be highly variable and up to individual interpretation it is also not a static notion; it evolves to reflect the changing moral climate. What is considered to be appropriate today may well be considered to be barbaric in the future. And likewise what was acceptable one hundred years ago would be viewed as cruel today. As an example, let’s consider for a moment an Australian icon, The Man from Snowy River; a man who has been celebrated in literature, film and art for many decades. The Man from Snowy River risks life and limb for financial gain and he is successful but his trusty steed does not fare quite so well. The legend himself is unscathed at the end of his ride,
“But his hardy mountain pony he could scarcely raise a trot, he was blood from hip to shoulder from the spur.”
If Banjo Paterson wrote his famous poem today it may quite possibly be titled ‘The Man who was Prosecuted for Animal Cruelty’ as in most mainstream horse sports if a horse was seen to be exhausted and suffering from severe injuries inflicted by its rider, the rider would be subject to some form of disciplinary action.
The Law and Voluntary Codes
Even though there are many grey areas in any discussion on welfare there are certainly rules that govern parts of the relationship with the horse. Some of these are laws, which means that breaking them is breaking the law while others, such as the Department of Primary Industry’s Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses, are voluntary codes; a situation that breaches these codes may end in tears but not in court.
The laws that govern welfare are fairly basic. Although the definition of ‘caretaker’ varies from state to state, any person responsible for an equine, including donkeys and mules, has a duty of care towards the animal. This duty of care requires them to ensure that the horse is free from pain and distress and receives veterinary treatment when necessary. The caretaker must provide sufficient food, water and shelter and must not commit any act, or omit to do any duty, which causes, or may cause, unreasonable and unjustifiable pain. Situations which may constitute cruelty include; starvation, overworking, beating, worrying or terrifying a horse or working, riding or driving a horse unfit for the purpose.
In many states it is illegal to use spurs that have been sharpened, have fixed rowels or any spur intended to break the skin. In a first for Australia, Victoria has banned the use of all twisted bits on horses, a type of bit where the mouthpiece consists of two metal wires entwined, stating that the bits, “...are used on difficult or hard mouthed horses and are intended to cause pain.”
In the Northern Territory if a horse has been confined, other than in a livestock vehicle, for longer than 24 hours without sufficient food or water, any person may enter the premises and feed and water the animal without incurring any penalties. The animal’s caretaker will be responsible for any costs incurred.
Royal Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
The RSPCA is the main body responsible for responding to cases of neglect or cruelty. Every agency has its critics and the RSPCA is no exception. They have been accused of being ineffectual and ‘toothless tigers’ but in many instances this label may be unfair. The RSPCA, like all welfare agencies, must act within the law and a legal definition of neglect may not correlate exactly to a public perception of neglect. For example, visible ribs are not necessarily indicators of imminent starvation. Racehorses, eventers (and even supermodels) need to be lean to do their jobs properly and this is not necessarily cruel.
Welfare may be subject to a great deal of individual interpretation but there are certain situations that breach all codes, legal or voluntary however, if unsure, then talk to someone. Coaches, pony club officials, judges and vets may not be in a position to act but they should be able to advise those who enquire of the rules of each sport and what constitutes cruelty. For those who are unsure it is far better to report a case of what they perceive to be cruelty to the authorities rather than stand by and do nothing.
If the decision to report a breach is made there are several things that can be done to facilitate a rapid resolution. Provide an in depth description of the horse involved and the way the horse is being mistreated. If possible take photographic evidence (be careful not to get injured and be aware of trespassing laws). Tell the authorities the precise location of the property and the paddock, yard or stable in which the horse is kept and the name and address of the person believed to be the caretaker. If there are any witnesses, be sure to include their details and be aware that if the case goes to court both the person who reported the incident and any other witness may be required to testify.
Be Involved
Ethical issues that cannot be dealt with by welfare agencies, but are involved with a sport or equestrian practice at an administrative level, are harder to act on but its still worth individuals becoming involved and contributing. Those who are perturbed by welfare violations may believe they are a lone voice but if they speak up about these issues they might be surprised at how many other voices join in. Become part of the solution: join the committee of the local equestrian club and help them develop and enforce worthwhile codes of practice, contact the local member if there are concerns about the government’s stance on a particular issue, get a petition going, write letters to the editor of newspapers or start a face book group but do something because as Edmund Blake said, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing”.
There are lots of inconsistencies and grey areas in any discussion of equine welfare. What is unequivocal is that all horse owners have a moral duty to be advocates for the welfare of all horses, not just those in their care. They must do this to not only protect the animals that they love but also to provide ethical guardianship of horse riding as a sport and pastime in the future. Public opinion is a very powerful tool and if it appears from the outside that equine sport takes welfare issues lightly, then in the future we may have no sport left. Considering that greyhound racing has been banned in seven states in the USA and the mulesing of sheep will soon be illegal in Australia it is easy to see how public opinion can carry more weight than economics and historical precedence. However, if all those involved with horses ensure that they maintain their horses’ welfare, encourage those around them to do the same and develop an interest in issues beyond their own back paddocks then the future looks bright; not just for equestrian sport but for its most important participant – the horse.
Late News:
It has been announced that the Grand Annual Steeplechase, run in Warrnambool, may be the final event conducted in Victoria. At the time of going to press Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) was awaiting a report on the two recent deaths of Jumps racing horses, making a total of five deaths from trials or racing so far in the first few weeks of the season, before making any decisions. The RVL board was looking at the incidents and will determine if there was a prospect of having a safe jumps industry. Meanwhile, a leading horse jumps trainer said he will shoot his horses and deliver their heads to Racing Minister Rob Hulls and Racing Victoria Limited if the sport is banned.
Racing and Horse Welfare While there are some slight rule variations between states, the majority have a regulatory vet and the collective national group ‘NEIWAG’(National Equine Integrity and Welfare Advisory Group) meet annually to discuss racing rules and welfare. Current areas of review are racing in extreme weather and racetrack surface conditions. Recent changes have been made regarding drug and whip use – two major public concerns. For instance, as of August 1, only padded (light) whips may be used. Rules are are also determined by the Australian Rules Review Advisory Group. Jumps Racing: Family Entertainment or Cruelty?
Rodeo in line with State and Territory Legislation |
ARABIAN HORSE SOCIETY New Regulations Discourage Unfair Practices
When the Arabian Horse Society informed their members of the new regulations they sent an accompanying letter that explained why they had been introduced. In that letter they pointed out that one of the most important instruments for change was a push from the grass roots members to improve welfare. Organisations can legislate to improve welfare but unless they have the support of their members change can be difficult. The letter stated: “In an age where people are speaking up in their thousands for endangered species and the health of the planet, when even the thoroughbred racing industry is legislating for the humane use of the whip, changes will come to our world too. It would be better if we made those changes before the animal rights groups and the government make those changes for us. Please work with us to make the changes we all know must be made.” |
EQUINE RESCUE Some of the larger equine rescue organisations based in Australia may be unable to intervene directly, however they may offer useful advice and information for individual situations. SOUTH AUSTRALIA NORTHERN TERRITORY QUEENSLAND Another Chance Equine Rescue NEW SOUTH WALES Good Samaritan Donkey Rescue (GSDS) Horse Rescue Australia DCH Animal Adoptions Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Rescue VICTORIA Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria Triple R Equine Welfare Inc Cedar Springs Epona’s Pastures WESTERN AUSTRALIA Save Equus Second Chance Horse AUST. CAPITAL TERRITORY RSPCA Bush Capital Horse Rescue TASMANIA Australian Equine Welfare Association |