Recession doubles the number of racehorses being destroyed in abattoirs

The number of racehorses destroyed in the UK's abattoirs has more than doubled over the last year, triggering calls from animal rights groups for the racing industry to do more to help thoroughbreds once their racing careers are over.

The rise comes as charities warn that the recession is having an effect on the welfare of all types of horses and ponies, with many owners struggling to pay for the upkeep of their animals.

Yesterday's Epsom Derby, attended by an estimated 200,000 racegoers, proved the continuing popularity of horse racing. But critics say not enough money generated by the industry is being allocated for the welfare of thoroughbreds after their racing careers have finished.

A report by the British Horseracing Authority says that in 2011 the number of thoroughbreds reported dead to the horse passport issuing authority rose by 29%, from 1,994 in 2010 to 2,574.

The report, The Effect of the recession on the welfare of British Thoroughbred Horses, notes: "Of these, 1,127 horses either in training, breeding or out of training were reported as killed in abattoirs, from 499 horses in 2010, an increase of 126%."

Dene Stansall, horse racing consultant at Animal Aid, a charity that campaigns against horse racing, described the report's figures as disturbing. "They [the horse racing authority] have not got to grips with the problem," he said. "For years more horses have been bred than have been needed."

But Professor Tim Morris, director of equine science and welfare at the authority, said the figures should be seen in the context of the 1 million horses on the UK's equine database. "While a 126% increase may sound a lot, in absolute terms it's not a big number," Morris said, pointing out that the industry was heavily regulated so that the welfare of its animals was often to a higher standard than that afforded other types of horses and ponies.

"To solve this problem we've got to stop breeding so many, and then we won't have to put so many down," said Carrie Humble, an independent equine welfare consultant. "But I would rather see these overproduced horses dead than suffering."

Morris said the industry had taken steps to reduce the number of horses entering racing to ensure there was not an oversupply of thoroughbreds during the economic downturn.

The authority report notes: "From 2008 to 2011 there has been an overall reduction of 38% in foals registered (falls of 45% in Ireland and 24% in Great Britain)."

But Stansall questioned whether the trend would continue downwards: "Whilst the supply has gone down, as soon as the economy picks up it will rise again." Stansall said that, as many racehorses were owned by syndicates, it made it difficult to determine who should take responsibility for the horse's future welfare after it had finished racing.

"If you've got a racehorse you have to commit to that animal," he said, pointing out it often took a couple of years to calm the horse down so that it could be ridden by non-jockeys.

The disposal of horses in UK abattoirs is part of a wider European trend. The number of horses slaughtered at DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) abattoirs in Ireland rose from 3,220 in 2009 to 7,296 in 2010.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jun/02/recession-number-racehorses-destroyed-abbatoirs

Water voles are latest victims of the recession

Water voles left without anyone to pay for their upkeep could become the unlikeliest victims of the recession.

A building firm that moved the creatures from their Dartford home has now gone bust, leaving the charity being paid to look after them – Wildwood Trust – facing a shortfall of up to £14,000.If the money cannot be raised by the end of this month then the water voles will miss their breeding window, adding to the problems faced by Britain’s most endangered mammal.

Based near Canterbury, Wildwood animal park is home to a large number of creatures native to Britain including otters, badgers and wild boar.Chief executive Peter Smith told Kent on Sunday the funding crisis could mean disaster for the more than 40 water voles.

He said: “We could breed them at the park but it costs money, simple as that. We are a charity and we already have lots of other conservation projects going on that also need to be paid for.

“The recession has affected us all. We’ve already experienced reduced support through people cancelling their membership, but we really do need donations now to help these creatures.

“This country has spent millions digging up the river banks because we don’t want them to flood, but by changing them to how we want them and not how nature intended we have virtually wiped the water vole out across the country. It’s a beautiful little animal and I think we all have a responsibility to protect it.”

The water voles were moved from their home in Dartford to protect them while a new housing development is being built there.As part of the project to release them back into the wild, Wildwood needs to pay £25 per vole on mandatory lab tests before they can do so.

They also need to spend £100 on a special release cage to stop the creatures being killed by foxes and mink, as well as £5 per week on feeding a family and £10 per vole for special radio microchips that will allow the charity to monitor how successful the release is next year.

Mr Smith said: “It’s a bit of a scam passing the liability of these water voles onto us but there’s nothing we can do. We’re stuffed.“We have to get them back out into the wild so they can breed, otherwise they will just die out.”Visit www.wildwood.workwithus.org/donate to aid Wildwood’s water vole appeal.

http://www.kentnews.co.uk/kent-news/Water-voles-are-latest-victims-of-the-recession-newsinkent26071.aspx