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Struggling horse owners urged not to wait until winter to rehome
“We know many people understandably hang on to their horses for as long as possible” – Tony Tyler.
Charities warn that the cost-of-living crisis is still having a big impact.

Two animal welfare charities have come together to urge financially struggling horse owners to rehome their horses before winter.

World Horse Welfare and Blue Cross have made the appeal over concerns that many horse owners are still struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis.

A recent survey, conducted by World Horse Welfare on behalf of the National Equine Welfare Council, found that 1.9 per cent of respondents thought they might need to approach a charity to rehome their horse within the next year. This translates to over 7,000 households in the UK who could have to give up their horses.

The cost of horse ownership is also continuing to have an impact on owners who are not yet at the stage of having to rehome their horses. More than two-thirds of respondents told the survey that they had made sacrifices in their lives to provide for the horses’ basic care needs.

The charities have emphasised that summer is the best time to rehome horses. The longer days and summer weather can make it easier for new owners to bond with their horses. In contrast, horse care in winter can be more demanding, due to the need for more stable time and feed.

Tony Tyler, deputy chief executive of World Horse Welfare, said: “Rehoming your horse during the summer gives both the horse and the new owner the best chance of a smooth transition.

“Waiting until winter can be far more difficult for everyone involved, and this is the main time of year people decide to rehome their horses, so there will be far more competition for homes just at the time it becomes much harder to care for your horses.

“We know many people understandably hang on to their horses for as long as possible, but it may be in everyone’s best interest to plan ahead and start the process now.”

Ruth Court, horse welfare manager at Blue Cross, added: “Both ourselves and World Horse Welfare offer advice lines where you can talk in confidence to a kind and understanding member of our teams, and they will discuss options with you.

“It’s so important to do this before it is too late and the horse has started to suffer and stands the risk of becoming a welfare case.”

Both Blue Cross and World Horse Welfare have more information for struggling owners on their websites.

Image © Shutterstock

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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.