ASPCA’s Post

What causes stereotypical behaviours in domesticated horses? Common ‘stable vices’ such as cribbing, windsucking, weaving, box-walking in domesticated horses present more than behavioural issues, they are a cause for concern because often they are associated with stress and poor welfare.  Understand Horses presents a webinar (Tuesday November 5th at 7pm) with equine welfare scientist Dr Aline Bouquet exploring the underlying causal factors of different stereotypic behaviours and their welfare implications for individual horses. https://fb.me/e/1MmGdDcSe

Ontario horse facility owners! Check out this important webinar on equine law!

Here's an infographic that can be applied in almost every equine workplace, sport or leisure context.

The @AmericanHorseCouncil (AHC) is releasing this advisory to inform the industry of important changes to the Horse Protection Act (HPA). Background on the HPA can be found at https://lnkd.in/gPsFzjbk. As a general reminder, the HPA covers all equine breeds and disciplines to eliminate the practice of soring horses. The AHC and other industry stakeholders have engaged in numerous meetings with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) to obtain clarifications and details on the new revisions to the HPA Rule. New requirements Effective February 1, 2025: Horse show and event managers will be required to: ➡️Provide notice to APHIS at least 30 days in advance of the event via mail or email. ➡️Provide any event updates 15 days in advance of the event ➡️Report any violations of the Horse Protection Act within five days post-event Note, that the new rule defines a horse show as a public display of any horses in competition except where speed is the prime factor, rodeo events, parades, or trail rides. One of the key changes to the rule is that USDA will be responsible for training Horse Protection Inspectors which will be licensed veterinarians or individuals with extensive equine experience with a governmental agency. These will be the individuals performing inspections at events. A video of the inspection process is on the website. Historically, USDA has inspected fewer than 50 events nationally per year. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gwat7Gnn #hereforhorses #HorseProtectionAct #HPA

Horses are waiting for you – have your say for them! Today is the last day for you to voice your concerns about what the new Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines can do for the nearly half a million horses raised for meat, sports, and any other activity. The review and update only happens about every 10 years, and the time has come to improve the lives of horses across Canada. Submit your top three concerns about equine welfare - issues could include improving shelter conditions, reducing pain from painful procedures, and enhancing living conditions. Remember, the Code only covers on-farm issues; issues related to transport or other areas are not considered. Answers must be polite, short (about 14 words per concern), and written in your own words. Take the survey: https://lnkd.in/g_Y7WHwb

[ PSYCHOLOGY AND WELFARE OF RACEHORSES: THE IMPACT OF STRESS ON PERFORMANCE ] 🏇 It is now a few years since the question of the equine welfare, which can be defined, according to the IFCE (The French Horse and Riding Institute), as “the good mental and physical health of the animal”, is developing and taking more and more importance into the mentalities. Some studies have been carried out and initiatives have been taken with the objective to sensibilize about the subject. The IFCE has notably led a survey in favor of animal welfare, relating different subjects as the evolution of the practices in favor of the horse. Discover the full article 👇 https://hubs.li/Q02CNk4h0 #Arioneo #Equimetre #Horsedatascience #Empoweryourexpertise

The Tasmanian state government continues to pour tens of millions of dollars each year into supporting this industry - with no transparency or accountability. According to a 2021 Treasury report, most states provide funding based on the short-to-medium term needs of the industry. Tasmania is the only government which guarantees long-term industry funding. This is the resultof a 20-year funding deed signed in 2009, following the sale of the TOTE. This deed sets the annual rate of increase in funding to the racing industry at half the rate of CPI - but even this has been exceeded in recent years. The government Point of Consumption (POC) Tax is set at 15% of the net wagering revenue. According to Tasracing's 2022/23 annual report, the subsidy was $33.9m plus just over $7m from the POC tax. This mean the subsidy made up c50% of its annual turnover, or 59% including the POC tax. Last year, the government provided c$35m in funding support for the racing industry – in other words, $63 for every Tasmanian. Compare this to the situation in other states, where racing bodies recorded just 6% -15% of government funding as a proportion of revenue. A 2010 government inquiry into the performance of Tasracing highlighted numerous issues with the funding agreement including that: “The ongoing indexed $27 million funding model fails to tie funding to performance and is irrespective of revenue earned.” Yet here we are more than 10 years later – and nothing has changed. Taxpayers have every right to be dismayed at the apparent lack of any plan to make the industry sustainable. It is hard to understand why our taxes are being spent on a sport that exploits animals for entertainment and profit. It is even harder to understand how such generous funding can be justified in a time when essential public services are facing funding freezes and even cutbacks. The government may well be bound by the commitments made under the 20-year funding arrangements put in place after the sale of the TOTE – but there is no case for taxpayer subsidy of the racing industry to continue beyond the expiry of that agreement in 2029. The racing industry needs to be planning for an orderly transition to self-sufficiency at that time. In the meantime, the government should be insisting on improved animal welfare outcomes and increasing standards of industry accountability and transparency in return for these levels of public funding. After the ABC’s 7.30 report in 2019 about the unfathomably cruel treatment of what has been euphemistically called “thoroughbred wastage”, Hall of Fame thoroughbred trainer, Lee Freedman, said “if we don’t make real changes, the court of public opinion will bury racing”. And he is right. As taxpayers, this government funding makes every single one of us complicit in the appalling cruelty facing racing dogs and horses. It is a sure bet that most Tasmanians are not prepared to accept this. An enquiry will show what is really happening.

Behind the Vertical and Hyperflexion - Why Do We Need to Understand? As more and more people are beginning to question our role in the care, welfare and training of horses from a welfare perspective, it is important that we, as owners, trainers and equine professionals, have an understanding of the physical, mental and emotional components of a healthy development program. When it comes to the physical aspect, the importance of understanding how our actions, in the name of training, can either support or damage our horse's wellbeing is of paramount importance. As the debate on horse welfare continues, the pervasive use of forced frames of Behind the Vertical or Hyperflexion continues to be defended by many. What is the big deal, some ask? Well, in December's webinar we are going to dive into this topic in an effort to raise awareness and encourage more elevated discussions on the impact of these forced frames on the physical, mental and emotional well being of our horses. Presented by France based Equine Veterinarian and Welfare advocate, Dr. Eva Van Avermaet, this will be a webinar not to be missed! Learn more and register today: https://lnkd.in/e5-6Jm64 #saynotohyperflexion #understandwhy #horseanatomy #horsefunction #healthytopline #selfcarriage #riderimpact #equitopia

The racing industry is not safe for people or animals. 🏇 "One of South Australia’s leading equestrian identities has been charged with animal cruelty over allegations he physically attacked a horse" 🏇 He is "also facing an unrelated Federal Court sexual harassment lawsuit" https://lnkd.in/gNcBjMtR 🏇 This reflects findings of a recent racing integrity review in another Australian jurisdiction which "heard that too many people still experience the industry as unsafe...frequent accounts of sexual harassment, and pervasive sexism..." https://lnkd.in/gGGqX_fv We need to shift away from exploitative industries with a culture of cruelty, and instead move towards a culture of mutual respect & safety for all #animals #animalcruelty #animalwelfare #animaljustice #animalethics #sexualharassment #harassment #OneHealth #OneWelfare #TheLink

Did you know new rules are being developed for equines in Canada? This only happens every ten years and horses need your voice! You can express concerns regarding how the new Code impacts the welfare of nearly half a million horses used for various purposes, such as being raised for meat. The Code sets minimum standards for farmers and horse owners to adhere to. Share your top three concerns about equine welfare until May 16th. You can address issues like weaning practices, painful procedures and inadequate shelter. Note that transportation-related concerns aren't covered. Keep responses brief, polite, and in your own words, around 14 words per concern. Your involvement is crucial for ensuring the well-being of these animals. Take the survey: https://lnkd.in/g_Y7WHwb