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Redwings microchip ponies on Bodmin Moor
Wild ponies on Bodmin Moore
In all, some 160 ponies were rounded up for processing during the operation.

Over 160 ponies assessed for poor health

The owners of over 160 ponies on Bodmin Moor have been formally identified, thanks to a collaboration between Redwings Horse Sanctuary and the Bodmin Moor Commons Council.

From Monday 12 September to Thursday 15 September, Redwings head of welfare Nic de Brauwere, led a multi-agency operation to microchip as many ponies from the Moor as possible.

Three Redwings vets carried out health checks on the ponies before microchipping so they can be identified in the future. Those that were healthy and deemed fit enough to live on the Moor were released, while ponies in poor health received veterinary treatment as needed in discussion with their owners.

Funded by the Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust, the project involved Redwings, the APHA and Bodmin Moor Commons Council, as well as the Blue Cross, British Horse Society, RSPCA and World Horse Welfare.

“The fundamental aim of this project,” explains Nic de Brauwere, “was to formally identify the ponies of owners who have rights to graze on the Moor through microchipping and issuing passports.

"This safeguards the future of the ponies both by ensuring all the owners adhere to their responsibilities to their animals’ care and by preventing any unscrupulous individuals seeing the Moor as a dumping ground or opportunity to fly-graze their horses,” he adds.

A lack of formal identification of horses and a lack of enforcement of identification laws has led to ponies being abandoned or illegally grazed on the Moor. This overcrowding, together with poor grazing as a result of adverse weather, has made life particularly difficult for the ponies.

In all, some 160 ponies were rounded up for processing during the operation. Sixteen unclaimed ponies – some of which require urgent veterinary attention and others whose condition is such that they will not survive the winter – were rescued from the Moor and brought back to Redwings.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and the RSPCA also offered homes to ponies, and pledges for more homes were made by Bransby Horses and Blue Cross.

Image (C) Jonathan Billinger

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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...
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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.