Response 1008841

Response to request for information

Reference

1008841

Response date

3 February 2023

Request

We are writing to you with a Freedom of Information Request relating to equine care and welfare. We are conducting a project for the RSPCA exploring equine welfare and management in England and Wales (incorporating Equine Overpopulation, Overbreeding, Neglect and Abandonment) and would be grateful for any information you have on this issue.

We specifically request information you have on the following aspects in your area each year for the last 10 years, and welcome associated information you have:

1. Number of licensed equine establishments (both riding schools and those hiring out horses, ponies and donkeys)
2. Number of livery yards
3. Number of licenced equine slaughter men (knacker men) and abattoirs
4. Number of equines slaughtered in the abattoirs and killed by knacker men in your area
5. Number of complaints/ calls relating to equine welfare, and the outcome of those calls
6. Number of calls received about fly grazing or equine abandonment with number of horses, ponies and donkeys involved.
7. Number of horses, ponies and donkeys detained after being reported as fly grazing or abandoned
8. Number of equine welfare related prosecutions

Number of equine passport fixed penalty notices

Response

We are writing to you with a Freedom of Information Request relating to equine care and welfare. We are conducting a project for the RSPCA exploring equine welfare and management in England and Wales (incorporating Equine Overpopulation, Overbreeding, Neglect and Abandonment) and would be grateful for any information you have on this issue.

We specifically request information you have on the following aspects in your area each year for the last 10 years, and welcome associated information you have:

1. Number of licensed equine establishments (both riding schools and those hiring out horses, ponies and donkeys) - 5 animal welfare licences.
2. Number of livery yards - we do not maintain a list.
3. Number of licenced equine slaughtermen (knackermen) and abattoirs - we do not licence.
4. Number of equines slaughtered in the abattoirs and killed by knackermen in your area - not applicable.
5. Number of complaints/ calls relating to equine welfare, and the outcome of those calls -  see table at the bottom of the list
6. Number of calls received about fly grazing or equine abandonment with number of horses, ponies and donkeys involved - as above.
7. Number of horses, ponies and donkeys detained after being reported as fly grazing or abandoned - nil.
8. Number of equine welfare related prosecutions - nil.
9. Number of equine passport fixed penalty notices - nil.