Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to restrict the tethering of (a) horses and (b) other animals; and if he will make a statement.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the 2006 Act), it is an offence to fail to provide for an animal’s welfare or to cause it any unnecessary suffering. In relation to equines, the 2006 Act is backed up by the statutory Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and Their Hybrids (the Code). The Code provides owners and keepers with information on how to meet the welfare needs of their horses and includes a specific section on how to tether a horse.

Local authorities have powers under the 2006 Act to investigate allegations of cruelty or poor welfare. In addition, welfare organisations such as the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare (WHW) may also investigate such matters. If anyone is concerned about the way a horse or other animal has been tethered, they should report the matter either to the relevant local authority, or to the RSPCA or WHW who can investigate. If a horse or other animal is found not to be tethered appropriately, this could lead to a prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

I consider that the existing legislation and guidance in place in respect of tethering of horses ensures their welfare needs are met appropriately.