Charity opposes ban on tethering in Wales

A charity that aims to improve equine and human welfare is opposing the introduction of a ban on tethering horses.

Educate don’t ban

The Community Horse and Pony Scheme believes education is the answer to the widespread problem of tethered horses in Swansea – not a ban.

The scheme was set up in 2014 after receiving a grant from the Big Lottery Fund. It works with the local community, tackling the problem of horse abandonment and drug abuse.

The Scheme has started a petition in response to the Tethered Horses WorkingGroup, which is part of Swansea Council. The group is looking at ways to improve the welfare of the urban horses in the area.

More suffering

One idea is to introduce a ban on the tethering of horses, but those running the scheme say this would not improve equine welfare.

“When tethering is discouraged or prevented, there is the likelihood that horses are moved out of public sight, to even less suitable environments,” said a spokesperson for the charity.

“There is no turnout, or exercise area, the stables are rarely cleaned, and where food and water provision is often woefully inadequate, animals suffer more than they would if they were tethered.”

‘Not ethical’

There are also concerns that when horses are kept inside on private premises, it is more difficult monitor their welfare.

The Community Horse and Pony Schemebelieves the solution to problem of abandoned or neglected horses is “education and appropriate community engagement” to address the causes of the welfare issues.

“Solving one welfare problem by creating another is neither an ethical nor a rational approach towards improving animal welfare,” they said.