Equine Welfare
As a horse breed charity, one of the Cleveland Bay Horse Society’s primary objects is “to promote the welfare of horses”
Any equine, including Cleveland Bays may become subject to less than satisfactory welfare for a number of reasons, and as a Society, we must strive to encourage shared knowledge and learning amongst breeders, owners, judges, veterinarians, trainers and members of the public.
As a Society, neither Council trustees or members have direct powers to intervene in welfare cases to remove animals or to force owners to make changes.
For all these reasons, we have recently achieved accreditation and become a “Welfare Member of the National Equine Welfare Council”, a national charity which was established in 1977.
The NEWC have their own Standards, which align well with the CBHS objects, and are often the first point of contact for anyone wishing to report a potential welfare case. For more information please visit www.newc.co.uk.
We believe that being a member of this organisation will stand our Society in good stead, should a possible welfare case be brought to our attention through the BHS, RSPCA, World Horse Welfare or other reporting sources. Our NEWC membership will allow us to have a say in cases involving Cleveland Bay Horses, so that we can engage in how to bring about the best outcome for the horses involved, including providing information on the breeding/genetic potential consequences.
Should you have a genuine reason to suspect a welfare issue relating to a horse or pony, and in particular, a Cleveland Bay, in the first instance please read the guidance from World Horse Welfare website www.worldhorsewelfare.org under the section “Worried about a horse?”
If you are satisfied that your concerns meet all the criteria for reporting a possible welfare case, we encourage you to follow the steps for reporting to WHW or other welfare bodies.
