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<p>Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the 2006 Act), local authorities, together with
the police and officers of the Animal & Plant Health Agency, already have powers
to investigate cases of poor welfare or animal cruelty, including cases of inappropriate
tethering.</p><p> </p><p>Tethering can be a useful equine temporary management tool
when it is used appropriately. To assist horse owners and keepers as well as inspectors
there is a the statutory <em>Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses, Ponies, Donkeys
and Their Hybrids</em> (the Code) which provides information on how to meet the welfare
needs of horses, as required under the 2006 Act. The Code contains specific information
on how to tether a horse appropriately without being breach of the 2006 Act.</p><p>
</p><p>Local authorities are able to make decisions based on local needs and resource
priorities and the local arrangements that work best for them. Therefore, I consider
that this legislation and guidance provides the right safeguards and powers in respect
of horse tethering. However, we will continue to engage with key stakeholders to see
if more can be done to spread best practice among horse owners as well as increased
partnership working in order to tackle the issue of inappropriate horse tethering.</p>
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