Written question WQ100828
- Asked by
- Huw ThomasLabour
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 9 days
Question
Further to WQ100322, what assessment did the Cabinet Minister make of the impact the Act has had on the tethering of horses, in relation to a) length of time, b) access to shelter, and c) access to exercise, before deciding not to review the Act?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability (Llyr Gruffydd)
The Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014 provides a mechanism for enforcement authorities to protect the public, landowners and the environment from the problems associated with horse abandonment, straying and fly-grazing. It is not animal welfare legislation and does not regulate the tethering of horses.
Issues relating to the welfare of tethered horses are considered under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which places a legal duty on those responsible for horses to meet their welfare needs, including the provision of suitable shelter, an appropriate diet, necessary veterinary care and the ability to exhibit normal behaviours.
Local authorities have enforcement powers under both Acts and may investigate and take appropriate action where horses are unlawfully present on land or where welfare concerns arise.