HORSE TETHERING - ANIMAL WELFARE ACT 2006 REFORM

That this House recognises the importance of ensuring the safety and welfare of all sentient beings, including horses, ponies and donkeys; further recognises the cruel treatment that is currently taking place whereby these animals are left tethered by roadsides or in dangerous locations around towns often without food or water; acknowledges that local authorities have chosen not to intervene to rescue tethered horses on the basis that the Animal Welfare Act 2006 does not provide strong enough grounds to do so; further acknowledges that this inaction is in spite of clear infringements of the five freedoms set out in the 2006 Act, including the need for a suitable environment and to exhibit normal behaviour patterns; and therefore urges the Government to reform the 2006 Act to impose stronger measures that call on local authorities to intervene and rescue tethered horses in order to prevent their long-term suffering.