A demographic survey of unwanted horses in Ireland 2005-2010.
Abstract: The Irish Horse Industry expanded during the Celtic Tiger boom years, then contracted in the current economic recession. High value horses were traditionally controlled through sale at public auction, private sales and sales to dealers; these are now also being reduced by decreases in production (> 40%), and increases in retirement, re-homing, euthanasia and disposal through Category 2 plants and abattoirs. The absence or banning of horse abattoirs has been shown to have very significant welfare social and economic consequences in the USA. This study described the currently available data on the demographics of unwanted horses in Ireland from 2005 to 2010. Results: The majority of horses euthanised by practicing veterinarians are destroyed on medical grounds but the number euthanised at the request of welfare groups and the state, as well as welfare related calls and the number of horses involved in these calls and subsequent visits is increasing reflecting the increasing involvement of the veterinary profession in equine welfare. Welfare groups have limited resources and do not have a tradition of recording data, but they too have reported increasing calls, visits and numbers of horses per visit. Welfare groups provide significant service to equine welfare and the community. Local Authorities report similar trends. Over 300 horses were found dead or required immediate or subsequent euthanasia following welfare group and local authority visits in 2010, which is of national concern. The majority of local authority interfaces with unwanted horses are with urban (60%) rather than rural (40%) horses. Mortality figures are poor indicators of non-fatal neglect. More horses were admitted into the care of local authorities than welfare groups, reflecting significant state and taxpayer investment in the control of low value horses. Category 2 plants and abattoirs represent a significant state investment in licensing and control in the national interest. Abattoirs provide an increasingly important and essential service for the disposal of unwanted horses. Despite the increase in unwanted horses, Ireland is a minority contributor to the EU slaughter total. Conclusions: There is a need for annual demographic data compilation and review of the numbers of unwanted horses and ponies within the horse industry to assist policy makers and legislators.
Publication Date: 2012-03-02 PubMed ID: 22385906PubMed Central: PMC3337798DOI: 10.1186/2046-0481-65-3Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research study investigates the trends and demographics concerning unwanted horses in Ireland from 2005 to 2010, pointing out the shifts related to economic changes and growing welfare concerns. It provides a deep dive into the numbers and changing circumstances of horses euthanised or abandoned, and the changing roles of governmental and welfare organisations in addressing this problem.
Overview of the Research
The research focuses on understanding the decline in the horse industry in Ireland between the years 2005 and 2010. It particularly emphasises the fate of “unwanted horses” – those who are no longer deemed economically viable or are abandoned due to other circumstances.
- The researchers underscore how state institutions, veterinarians, and welfare organisations are facing increasing demands related to this issue, with a rising number of calls and visits, euthanasia requests, and discoveries of dead or dying horses.
- This growing crisis is contrasted with the reality of limited resources as well as irregular data recording and reporting, making it difficult to fully comprehend the scale of the problem.
Economic Factors
The Irish Horse Industry grew during the economic boom of the Celtic Tiger years. However, the subsequent recession resulted in a sharp contraction, which had severe implications for horses.
- Traditional methods of controlling the horse population such as auctions, private sales, and sales to dealers have been curtailed by decreased production, increased retirements and re-homing, and a rise in euthanasias and disposals.
The Role of Abattoirs and Welfare Organisations
The study underscores the key role played by both abattoirs and welfare organisations in dealing with the fallout of the increased numbers of unwanted horses.
- Abattoirs have been recognised as essential for disposal of unwanted horses. Despite being a cost to the state in terms of licensing and control, the increase in unwanted horses has necessitated their functioning.
- Equine welfare organisations not only provide essential services for horse welfare, but also support the community. Despite limited resources, these organisations have reported increasing calls and visits regarding unwanted horses.
Urban vs Rural Horses
The research brings attention to the disparity between urban and rural horses in the context of this issue.
- Local authorities were reported to have more interface with urban (60%) horses rather than rural (40%) horses. This could indicate a larger problem in urban areas, or simply reflect where authorities have been focusing their resources.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for regular data collection and review regarding the numbers of unwanted horses and ponies within the horse industry in Ireland. This would assist policy makers and legislators in making informed decisions about control measures, welfare support and other required interventions.
Cite This Article
APA
Leadon D, O'Toole D, Duggan VE.
(2012).
A demographic survey of unwanted horses in Ireland 2005-2010.
Ir Vet J, 65(1), 3.
https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-0481-65-3 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co Kildare, Ireland. Dleadon@equine-centre.ie.
References
This article includes 16 references
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Legg KA, Gee EK, Breheny M, Gibson MJ, Rogers CW. A Bioeconomic Model for the Thoroughbred Racing Industry-Optimisation of the Production Cycle with a Horse Centric Welfare Perspective.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jan 30;13(3).
- Dunne K, Brereton B, Duggan V, Campion DP. Competence perceptions of veterinary nursing students and registered veterinary nurses in Ireland: a mixed methods explanatory study.. Ir Vet J 2020;73:10.
- Rowland M, Coombs T, Connor M. A Study of Traveller Horse Owners' Attitudes to Horse Care and Welfare Using an Equine Body Condition Scoring System.. Animals (Basel) 2019 Apr 12;9(4).
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