The National Equine Welfare Protocol ensures that horses suffering as a consequence of cruelty or neglect will be rescued quickly and effectively, says The Horse Trust.
“We are delighted that this Protocol has come into being so quickly under the chairmanship of Major General Robert Gordon,” says Paul Jepson, chief executive and resident veterinary surgeon of The Horse Trust. “After our experiences at the start of this year, with a horse welfare case of an unprecedented scale, we are determined to try and ensure that no other horses will ever have to suffer in this way again. The protocol is a major step towards this.”
He continued, “This Protocol is a demonstration of how all the related organisations can work cohesively together sharing resources, facilities and expertise and is a triumph for horse welfare.”
One of 15 welfare organisations signing up to the Protocol, launched today (12 June) by the Princess Royal, The Horse Trust is committed to encouraging horse owners and dealers to treat their animals responsibly and in line with the five freedoms through a programme of science, welfare and education.
The five freedoms are:
- Freedom from Hunger and Thirst - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
- Freedom from Discomfort - by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
- Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease - by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
- Freedom from Fear and Distress - by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
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Buckinghamshire horse dealer Jamie Gray has been sentenced to 250 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to assaulting a police officer.
Gray, 44, was charged with causing criminal damage and assaulting a police officer when his Spindle Farm in Buckinghamshire was searched on 4 January.
Following the search, 111 horses, ponies and donkeys were rescued from Spindle Farm in Hyde Heath, Buckinghamshire, in varying states of neglect. The record-breaking operation attracted widespread interest from the media and public up and down the country.
At Aylesbury Magistrates’ Court on 4 February Gray pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to an RSPCA van during the 4 January search. He was found guilty in his absence of assaulting PC James Metcalfe at Aylesbury on 6 May.
Gray’s lawyer, Chloe Fordham, told Aylesbury Magistrates Court that the dealer was “extremely upset” during the search. She said James Gray reacted “impulsively” on 4 January when he pushed PC Metcalfe against a dog cage and threatened to set a rottweiler on him.
The court accepted Ms Fordham’s argument. Chairman of the bench Brian Saunders said PC Metcalfe sustained no injuries, and that “emotions were running high”.
Gray was sentenced to 70 hours of unpaid work for criminal damage, and 180 hours for assaulting the police officer, with the two sentences to run concurrently.
He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to PC Metcalfe, £100 to the RSPCA and £455 costs within 14 days.
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Buckinghamshire horse trader Jamie (James) Gray has pleaded not guilty to five further charges connected with the RSPCA raid on Spindle Farm, Amersham, in January.
Gray appeared at Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on 21 May and denied five charges brought by Buckinghamshire County Council Trading Standards that included failing to remove 16 horse carcasses from his land and providing false information on an animal transportation licence.
The case was adjourned to Bicester Magistrates’ Court on 18 July.
Gray was also found guilty of assaulting a police officer by Aylesbury Magistrates on 6 May and is due to be sentenced on 10 June.
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (6 June, ‘07)
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