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<p>This Government is committed to upholding our high standards of animal welfare,
including in relation to tethering. The welfare of all animals is protected by comprehensive
and robust animal health and welfare legislation. Defra has a series of statutory
animal welfare codes, which encourage high standards of husbandry.</p><p> </p><p>The
Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the Act) makes it an offence either to cause any captive
animal unnecessary suffering or to fail to provide for the welfare needs of the animal.
The Act is backed up by farmed animal welfare legislation which includes a prohibition
on tethers for certain farmed species. All owners and keepers of animals must provide
for the welfare needs of their animals.</p><p> </p><p>Tethering can be a useful temporary
management tool when it is used appropriately. The statutory Code of Practice for
the Welfare of Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and Their Hybrids (the Code) provides owners
and keepers with general welfare information, including a specific section on the
tethering of a horse and other animals. The Code states that tethering is not a suitable
method of long-term management of an animal, but may be useful as an exceptional short-term
method of animal management.</p><p> </p><p>If anyone is concerned about the way a
horse or other animal has been tethered, they should report the matter to the relevant
local authority, the RSPCA or World Horse Welfare who can investigate. If a horse
or other animal is found not to be tethered appropriately, it could lead to a prosecution
under the 2006 Act.</p><p> </p><p>Defra considers that the current legislation and
guidance provide the right safeguards and powers in respect of animal tethering. However,
we will continue to engage with key stakeholders to see if more can be done to promote
best practice among horse owners and to optimise partnership working to tackle the
issue of inappropriate horse tethering. With the current Animal (Penalty Notice) Bill
passing through the parliamentary process we are keen to work with key stakeholders
to consider if the use of financial penalty notices will help redirect offenders away
from the inappropriate use of tethering.</p>
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