Scottish Government

ISBN 978 0 7559 8002 4

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Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Equidae

This Code which has been prepared following consultation, is issued with the authority of the Scottish Parliament pursuant to section 37 (Animal welfare codes) of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

The Code applies in Scotland and has been issued by the Scottish Ministers (following approval by the Scottish Parliament).

THIS CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE WELFARE OF EQUIDAE WAS MADE ON 19 FEBRUARY 2009, AND WAS APPROVED BY RESOLUTION OF THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT ON 25 March 2009 AND COMES INTO EFFECT ON 29 APRIL 2009.

Contents

Introduction

Horse Passports

The Duty of Care

The Need for a Suitable Environment
Shelter
Stable accommodation/housing
Pastures
Tethering
Rugs
Supervision

The Need for a Suitable Diet
Feed
Water

The Need to Exhibit Normal Behavioural Patterns

The Need to be Housed with, or Apart from, other Animals

The Need to be Protected from Suffering, Injury and Disease
Discipline and restraint
Prompt recognition of ill health
Routine health care
Saddlery and harness
Transporting horses, ponies, donkeys and hybrids
Euthanasia
Disposal after the death of an animal

Appendix A: The Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006

Appendix B: Tethering
A Suitability of the animal
B Site (the area to which the tethered animal has access)
C Tethering equipment
D Food and water
E Shelter
F Exercise
G Supervision
H Identification
I Other requirements

Appendix C: Body Score Charts
Body condition scoring of horses
Body condition scoring of donkeys

Appendix D: Sources of Information
Legislation
Websites of relevant organizations
Publications relevant to topics covered by the Code
Further Information

Appendix E: Scottish Passport Issuing Organisations