FOI request details
Request
Subject: Equine Care and Welfare
Reference: LBR-FOI-00542
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 slaughtermen (knackermen) and abattoirs
4. Number of equines slaughtered in the abattoirs and killed by knackermen 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
9. Number of equine passport fixed penalty notices
Response
Part Disclosed - 28 February 2023
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)
A - Our records of licensed establishments show the following
2014 - 5
2015 - 5
2016 - 6
2017 - 6
2018 - 6
2019 - 6
2020 - 6
2021 - 5
2022 - 5
2023 - 5
2.Number of livery yards
A - Three premises are categorised as a livery yard
3.Number of licenced equine slaughtermen (knackermen) and abattoirs
A - No information held
4.Number of equines slaughtered in the abattoirs and killed by knackermen in your area
A - No information held
5.Number of complaints/ calls relating to equine welfare, and the outcome of those calls
A - 2014 - 1 complaint - Inspection of premises, no further action.
No other information held on complaints relating to equine welfare
6.Number of calls received about fly grazing or equine abandonment with number of horses, ponies and donkeys involved.
A - No information held
7.Number of horses, ponies and donkeys detained after being reported as fly grazing or abandoned
A - No information held
8.Number of equine welfare related prosecutions
A - None
9.Number of equine passport fixed penalty notices
A - No information held
Please note that our responses were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of release, and have not subsequently been updated. This information should be considered an historical record only.