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The UK's National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) has produced two new brochures on responsible horse management in response to the high number of requests for help that their members are receiving from horse owners struggling financially. The new publications cover "Responsible Re-Homing" and "Cutting Cost without Compromising on Welfare."
Many horse owners have been hit hard by the downturn in the economy. The leaflets suggest ways to keep their horse by cutting back on unnecessary costs. They also offer advice on how to secure the best future for the horse.
"The horse's long-term welfare should be the paramount concern when it comes to re-homing and these leaflets will be a valuable information source for anyone who is struggling" said Nicolas De Brauwere, BVSc, MRCVS, chairman of the NEWC and senior welfare veterinary surgeon at Redwings Horse Sanctuary.
The leaflets were produced as a result of collaboration between members of the NEWC, a group of more than 60 welfare organizations.
"In the current financial climate, charities cannot justify the cost of duplicating effort," said Rebecca Evans, vice chairman of the NEWC and welfare manager at The Horse Trust. "It makes more sense for NEWC members to work together in order to reduce costs, and I think in this case two excellent documents have been produced."