Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Charity reports rise in horse welfare concerns
Horse
In 2014, World Horse Welfare re-homed over 300 horses, ponies and donkeys, which is a ten-year record. 

World Horse Welfare took in 259 horses in 2014

There has been a significant rise in horse welfare concerns, according to World Horse Welfare.

The equine charity say that in the last year alone they took in 259 horses, which is a 43 per cent rise on their yearly average.

One alarming trend they are experiencing is the rise in the number of large groups of 10 or more horses being brought into their rescue and rehoming centres.

Deputy chief executive Tony Tyler, said: "The pressure this puts on our centres is compounded by the fact that all too often these groups consist of mares and stallions, so there are invariable mares who arrive with us in foal."

In 2014, World Horse Welfare re-homed over 300 horses, ponies and donkeys, which is a ten-year record.  

Tony added that January 2015’s figures show that the enthusiasm for rehoming is stronger than ever: “Early indications for January are very encouraging for another record-breaking year and demonstrate that people really do see rehoming as a safe and viable option.

"Frustratingly, however, the number of horses needing urgent rescue and rehabilitation far outweighs the number being re-homed – the need is greater than ever.” 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.