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UAE suspended for 'indeterminate period'
Horse close up
"Where horse welfare is concerned the FEI has to show leadership and solve problems in a structural way without making any concessions."

Follows an investigation into major horse welfare issues

The FEI Bureau has suspended the National Federation of the United Arab Emirates for an 'indeterminate period' following an investigation into major horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI Rules and Regulations in the discipline of endurance.

Chaired by FEI president Ingmar De Vos, the bureau was unanimous in its decision to suspend the UAE National Federation.

Under the terms of the suspension, the UAE National Federation may not attend or be represented at any session or meeting of any body of the FEI,  must not organise any international events, and its members cannot participate in any international events. However, UAE athletes from disciplines other than endurance will be able to compete under the FEI flag in international competitions organised outside the UAE.

The UAE Federation have been told by the FEI that any reinstatement to FEI membership is dependent on the UAE Federation signing an agreement with the FEI, under which the UAE pledges to take such action as the FEI Bureau sees necessary to assure the FEI and all stakeholders that the UAE Federation is protecting the welfare of the horse and complying fully with the FEI rules and regulations.
 
Ingmar De Vos said: "The decision to suspend a National Federation is not something that is taken lightly and we only should do this if no other remedy can be found.

"Sadly this was the only option left, but we have to take our responsibility and must never be afraid of tackling major issues head-on. Where horse welfare is concerned the FEI has to show leadership and solve problems in a structural way without making any concessions.
 
"We were confident that strict enforcement of the new rules implemented on 1 August 2014 following adoption of the recommendations from the Endurance Strategic Planning Group would be effective in reducing the numbers of catastrophic injuries and fatalities in the UAE, but regretfully this has not been the case. There have also been other major non-compliance issues, so in the end we had no other choice than taking this drastic measure to deal with an unacceptable situation.”

The UAE National Federation was notified of the suspension yesterday (12 March) and has 30 days to appeal to the FEI Tribunal.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.