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<p>Defra is keen to ensure that we uphold our high standards of welfare including
in relation to tethering. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the 2006 Act) it is an
offence to fail to provide for an animal’s welfare or to cause it any unnecessary
suffering. The 2006 Act is backed up by the statutory Code of Practice for the Welfare
of Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and Their Hybrids (the Code). The Code provides owners
and keepers with information on how to meet the welfare needs of their animals and
includes a specific section on how to tether horses and other animals covered. If
anyone is concerned about the way a horse or other animal has been tethered they should
report the matter either to the relevant local authority or to 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. Defra considers that
this legislation and guidance provides the right safeguards in respect of animal tethering.</p><p>
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