For the first time ever at EU level, a unique conference hosted by MEP Julie Girling will discuss the health and welfare challenges facing Europe’s equine population in a sector which contributes over €100bn to the European economy every year.
The conference follows the publication of report ‘Removing the Blinkers’, which represents the first attempt to map out the sector, laws and health and welfare problems of Europe’s 7 million equines. Authored by World Horse Welfare in collaboration with Eurogroup for Animals, the ground breaking report highlights a number of gaps in statistical information about equines across member states but also reveals their ever-differing legal status which can switch from farm animals to companions depending on their use.
Whilst the equine industry is not the most animal intensive in Europe, it is however one of the most effective in terms of creating value and jobs, particularly in rural regions that may lack other types of economic activity. Uniquely versatile, equines fulfil roles as leisure and companion animals; working animals in tourism, forestry, agriculture and food production; as well as animals used for therapy and training and elite athletes in sports.
World Horse Welfare Chief Executive, Roly Owers said: “Removing the Blinkers provides a long overdue insight into the EU’s equine sector, and the welfare challenges our horses face so we are delighted that the issues it highlights will now be discussed at European level. We cannot allow the equine sector to continue being overlooked, either in terms of the health and welfare issues, or in terms of securing a sound future for a sector that has traditionally been one of the prides of Europe, that is proving to be such a valuable export industry and that is still so relevant to European society today.”
Julie Girling MEP, said: “The economic value of the equine sector to the European economy is huge and yet equines have been largely ignored in comparison to other animals.
“It is time to take stock of the equine sector within the EU, and to examine how we can protect the health and welfare of Europe’s horses, donkeys and mules, and at the same time maximise the value of this sector for Europe’s economy through some very simple initiatives.”
The conference will feature key speakers from the European Commission, the European Parliament and the equine sector who will respond to the conclusions and suggested next steps on key issues which feature in the ‘Removing the Blinkers’ report. These issues include: equine identification and registration, welfare in transport, welfare at slaughter, responsible ownership and rural development.
The conference will be hosted by Julie Girling MEP, in cooperation with Eurogroup for Animals and the European Horse Network. It will be held in the European Parliament on the 21 October, from 14:00 – 17:00 CET.
