answer text |
<p>Defra is keen to ensure that we uphold our high standards of animal 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 a horse and other animals are covered.
The code makes it clear that the site should not allow animals’ access to a public
highway or public footpaths. 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 tethering.</p>
|
|