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Equine charity sees increase in welfare cases
World Horse Welfare hopes the advert will bring attention to the suffering that horses are experiencing.
World Horse Welfare has released a new advert to raise awareness.

An equine charity has launched a new TV advertisement, which it says will raise awareness of the suffering of hundreds of horses in the UK.

The advert comes as World Horse Welfare reports a 43 per cent increase in welfare enquiries that have needed its attention.

Many of these enquiries have required visits from the charity’s field officers, which investigate whether the horse is well-kept. Cases where the horses have required attention have resulted in four of its Rescue and Rehoming Centres nearing capacity.

World Horse Welfare said that, with much of its work happening out of public view, it is hoping its new advertising campaign will bring attention to the suffering that horses are experiencing, and the work it is doing to save them.

The TV advert, titled ‘How could anyone treat horses like this?’, features Seamus, a Clydesdale horse rescued by the charity who was so malnourished he was like a ‘giant skeleton’. World Horse Welfare ensured that Seamus was rehabilitated, and rehomed in a safer place.

It also explores many of the other cases of equine neglect and abuse which the charity has discovered.

Peter Rowbottom, director of fundraising at World Horse Welfare, said: “We are seeing a dramatic increase in demand for services and our UK support team have already dealt with 938 welfare enquiries this year, compared to 658 at the same point in 2023.  

“We aren’t expecting it to get any better either, as the wet winter weather has been particularly bad for horse owners this year, and our four Rescue and Rehoming Centres have already surpassed our preferred numbers.”

He added: “We hope that the advert will resonate with viewers and help us raise much needed funds to continue our work to improve welfare for all horses.”

The full advert can be viewed here.

Image © World Horse Welfare

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.