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World Horse Welfare launches sustainability strategy
“Our environmental welfare strategy acknowledges the interconnectedness of the wellbeing of people, horses and the environment” – Roly Owers.
Strategy launched at the charity’s annual conference.

The charity World Horse Welfare has launched a new sustainability strategy, setting out its commitment to be environmentally sustainable.

The strategy was announced at the World Horse Welfare Annual Conference 2024 on 7 November, a year on from the charity’s first conference focused on horses and the environment.

Eight overarching goals, centred around the charity’s four activities of care, research, education, and influence, are set out in the document, which was produced with pro bono support from sustainability consultancy White Griffin.

The strategy also includes a roadmap of commitments World Horse Welfare will make when carrying out its work in the UK and around the world.

In the UK, the charity plans to launch land management projects at its farms to make them more sustainable, including adopting and advocating for the responsible use of equine drugs, such as targeted deworming.

Internationally, the charity plans to work with communities to understand the impact of climate change to help protect the welfare of horses during droughts and other periods of extreme weather.

Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare, said: “Our environmental welfare strategy acknowledges the interconnectedness of the wellbeing of people, horses and the environment.

“This strategy focuses upon the ways in which we will ensure environmental sustainability is embedded in our own operations, as well as our research, education and influencing work.

“We are at the beginning of our journey into these complex connections, and we do not have all the answers. But we are committed to learning – and crucially, acting – to move forward towards a world that is kinder for people, the environment and of course horses.”

The full Environmental Welfare Strategy can be read here.

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.