Welfare organisations uncover the effects of cost-of-living crisis

Animal welfare organisations are calling on horse keepers around the UK to help them assess the effects of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. By taking part in a short, free survey launched on 16 January, anyone who cares for horses will be able to contribute to an understanding of how increased costs are affecting their ability to care for their animals. This information will then feed into the development of targeted support for those most in need and help prevent welfare issues arising.

Rebecca Boulert, Education Officer at World Horse Welfare, the equine charity co-ordinating this year’s research, said: “For those of us at the coalface of dealing with cases where individuals are unable to care for their horses because they cannot meet their needs financially, it’s imperative for us to understand if the situation has worsened for horse owners and keepers over the past 12 months. We know from last year’s research that many owners were just about coping and all possible cost savings had already been made, but that left little room for a further squeeze on purses. This year’s follow-on survey aims to show whether things have stabilised, improved or deteriorated, allowing us to plan and act accordingly. We really hope as many horse owners as possible engage with the research and complete the survey, regardless of whether they were involved in last year’s project.”

The 2023 survey had around 8,000 responses and the organisers of the follow-up research, all members of the National Equine Welfare Committee (NEWC), hope a similar number will participate this year. The 2024 survey was developed by World Horse Welfare with support from NEWC partner organisations Redwings, Blue Cross, the British Horse Society, Bransby Horses and Oak Tree Animals Charity.

A tailored version of the survey targeting charities and other equestrian rescue centres will run concurrently to find out how the continuing cost-of-living crisis is affecting these types of organisations. Those involved will be contacted directly by NEWC and asked to take part.

The anonymised results will be made publicly available to highlight any challenges and concerns that horse owners are facing, and their potential impact on equine welfare.

The results will be shared with the UK Government, Devolved Administrations and local authorities to help inform their understanding of the situation as well as policy decisions, including potential financial support to those most in need.

To take part in the 2024 survey, visit smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CoLSurvey/

To see a summary of the 2023 cost-of-living survey, visit newc.co.uk/equine-col-surveys/