House of Commons - Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Written Evidence

Memorandum submitted by the British Equine Veterinary Association

1. The term Riding Establishments should be used throughout in stead of Riding Schools. The latter has a very narrow definition whereas the former includes all establishments under the definition given the current Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970.

2. LEGISLATION UNDER THE ANIMAL WELFARE BILL

Background

This section states "a cattery inspection would in future always include a veterinarian and therefore allow the person being licensed to talk to him about matters such as health care plans etc which falls outside the expertise of the local authority inspector."

This comment must be kept in mind, for the very same reasons, when the interval of veterinary inspections is finally decided for livery yards. The proposal made by the Animal Welfare Bill working party is that a Veterinary Inspector will be present at all initial inspections. Inspections should be carried out every 15 months with a maximum interval of 30 months for veterinary inspections. If the veterinary involvement is diluted further there is a real risk of compromising the quality of these inspections and therefore compromising the welfare of the animals kept in these yards.

3. PAGE 2 OF 4

The Animal Welfare Bill.

The outline of first tranche regulations and codes.

The proposed secondary legislation.

Licensing of livery yards

"Licensing visits should take place at intervals of not less than 18 months."

This should read no more than 18 months.

Licensing of Riding Schools

Should use the term Riding Establishments.

"Licensing visits should take place at intervals of not less than 18 months."

This should read no more than 18 months.

4. ANNEX L—PROPOSED PHASING IN OF REGULATIONS TIMETABLE