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International horse charity releases shocking evidence
horse travel
With no water available during their journey, the horses were dehydrated and eager to drink as soon as they could.

Transportation times and conditions revealed in account

World Horse Welfare has released an account detailing prolonged journey times and poor conditions for horses travelling to slaughter. The charity released video footage to show the impact of long-distance journeys on horses’ physical and mental state.

Using a 1,400 mile journey from Poland to Italy as an example, in 60 hours of travels, horses were only given one rest stop. The charity monitored the condition of the animals during the process and cited dehydration, withdrawal and deformed feet.  The animals were required to spend up to 24 hours travelling at one time.

Field officer Tony Evans said: “Stallions had been tethered at the rest stop next to mares, with young foals mixed in. With no water available during their journey, the horses were dehydrated and eager to drink as soon as they could. The horses were quiet, withdrawn and tense. It was a heartbreaking sight for anyone to see.”

In an ongoing campaign about transportation conditions, World Horse Welfare continues to gather evidence which will be detailed in a report to the European Commission addressing the current laws surrounding horse transportation.

Since the campaign began, partitions in transportation lorries have been improved to reduce injury and death.  The overall transportation figures have also dropped from 165,000 in 2001 to 54,000 in 2012.

Image © World Horse Welfare
 

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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.