Progress on improving equine welfare through the Action Plan for Animals has been slow, according to the RSPCA.
On the first anniversary of the plan, the charity is calling for the government to relaunch its scheme to keep its promises.
It said only three out of 39 promises have been completed into law with a further one progressing; 16 promised actions have stalled and the remaining 19 have not started, or in the case of genetically altered animals gone into reverse.
“We welcomed the Government’s plan last year as it addressed issues we had been campaigning on for some time and these changes could make a real and lasting difference to animal welfare, but we’re disappointed that one year on and little progress has been made in crucial areas,” said David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA.
“We are pleased that the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act has been completed along with the Glue Traps Act and we welcome the announcement of subsidy payments for farmers who farm to higher welfare standards but that is where the good news stops. There are 19 important areas that have sadly seen no movement.
“Indeed this week’s Queen’s Speech only saw one Bill involving animals, allowing gene-editing of farm animals, which has serious welfare risks.
“In a poll this month, 72 per cent of the public said they wanted more legislation not less on animal welfare so we know the public cares deeply about protecting animals and we urge the Prime Minister to put animal welfare back on the agenda and make good on the Government’s promises.”
The government said it aimed to improve equine traceability by reviewing the Equine Identification (England) Regulations 2018 to make it easier for Councils to enforce the rules that all horses must be microchipped. This is a problem the RSPCA faces “on a daily basis” when investigating the welfare of fly-grazed horses. Consultation into this issue started this month and will finish end of June.
The plan also included a pledge to end live exports of farm animals and equines for further fattening and slaughter. These measures were included on live exports in the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, but no date of implementation has been given.
