How vulnerable horses can fall through the cracks: recent case highlights animal export issues

The fruitless search for more information from authorities, following a case where 26 horses and ponies were intercepted before they were exported, has highlighted the very problem of how vulnerable horses can fall through the cracks.

H&H reported on the case, made public by World Horse Welfare, where an overloaded transporter containing “frightened and vulnerable” horses – some believed to be destined for slaughter in Europe – was stopped at Dover. 

Of the 26 on board when the transporter was stopped on 25 November, only 19 had the necessary paperwork for their journey. Many of the horses had health issues, some were pregnant, at least one pony was infected with equine influenza and 13 had been signed out of the food chain.

In April, World Horse Welfare announced that the first of the expectant mares had delivered a foal at the charity’s Norfolk rescue and rehoming centre. World Horse Welfare is a charity, not a prosecuting body or public authority, so H&H sought to check with authorities as to whether there had been any arrests in the case.

Kent Police and Port of Dover Police each suggested H&H try the other. Kent Police also suggested contacting the Home Office/Border Force, which in turn told H&H to direct its query to Defra. HMRC said this was not a case that involved them and also suggested H&H try Defra.

When H&H approached Folkestone & Hythe District Council and Dover District Council – whose administrative areas include Eurotunnel and the port respectively – and asked if they had been involved in the case, both said they had no involvement. Dover District Council added that live animal exports are not an area of work over which it or Dover Port Health Authority have any jurisdiction.

World Horse Welfare has long been lobbying for robust enforcement of the law.

“No prosecutions have been raised as a result of the ‘Dover 26’ being abandoned after they were discovered, almost certainly being illegally smuggled out of the UK, and despite our urging no local authority has taken enforcement action,” World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H. 

“The only action that has been taken was by the APHA [Animal Plant and Health Agency] which revoked transporter authorisation for the vehicle the horses were discovered in. 

“While we applaud this action, far more robust enforcement is needed to stop this murky trade where so many horses suffer. For this to happen, it is imperative the Government introduces legislation now for a fully digitalised and centralised traceability system for all equines, and import and export documentation. 

“The stark reality is that we are only picking up the crumbs of a trade that covers the whole of Europe. And it’s a significant trade, with one trader alone moving nearly 1,000 equines a year.”

H&H approached Defra initially to ask if it was aware of any arrests, then to ask whether it or the APHA would like to comment on any action taken in relation to the case, and if Defra would comment on how the law will be enforced, following the new ban on live exports for slaughter, which came into effect last week (news, 23 May).

A Defra spokesperson told H&H the department does not comment on individual cases, but offered general background information.

The spokesperson quoted requirements and laws surrounding transportation of animals and added that the APHA takes potential breaches of animal welfare legislation very seriously and will take appropriate regulatory action. He also said that the local authority, which holds primary responsibility for the enforcement of the animal welfare in transport legislation, may also be notified and will consider any appropriate enforcement action.

 In regard to live exports, the spokesperson said the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act 2024 will put a permanent end to the export of horses for slaughter and that Defra will be engaging with the horse sector and enforcement bodies on approaches to implementing the ban to ensure vulnerable horses are protected. 

H&H understands that Defra wants to work with the sector to ensure that the ban is effective and prevents horses being exported for slaughter, without imposing burdens on legitimate transporters of horses.  

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