Evaluation of current equine welfare issues in Ireland: causes, desirability, feasibility and means of raising standards.

The research investigated stakeholder perceptions of equine welfare in Ireland, identifying significant issues, and explored suggestions for improving current standards. The study leveraged a Delphi method to collect both quantitative and qualitative data, and emphasized the importance of an inclusive policy approach.

Research Objectives and Methodologies

• The primary objective of this study was to engage with various stakeholder groups to discern their views on horse welfare in Ireland and stimulate the creation of inclusive policy solutions.
• To achieve these goals, the researchers used a three-round, web-based Policy Delphi method, conducted from November 2007 to March 2008.
• A unique feature of their methodology was the use of vignettes. These narratives, illustrating potential compromises to equine welfare, provided a context for survey respondents.
• The research acquired quantitative data by requesting respondents to score various aspects on a 9-point Liket scale. Concurrently, qualitative data was collected in text format and subsequently analysed for emergent themes.

Key Findings of the Study

• Among the 44 respondents — all of whom completed the surveys — two major equine welfare issues were identified: the welfare of horses during disposal processes and at unregulated gatherings.
• Making use of the Likert scale, respondents scored the desirability and feasibility of improving standards at a median of 8 and 6, respectively, for the issues identified.
• From the qualitative data, reasons to raise equine welfare standards emerged around four themes: ideological reasons, protecting animal welfare, preserving the reputation of the equine industry, and ensuring safety for people, horses, and the environment.
• Conversely, perceived reasons for currently low standards included societal norms, financial pressures, laziness, indifference, and ignorance.
• Proposed solutions for these issues encapsulated legislation, enforcement, education/training, financial remedies, and raising awareness. Often, a combination of these methods was suggested.

Conclusions and Implications

• The researchers concluded that any strategies to raise standards must consider the motivational factors that currently lead to low standards.
• As such, the key challenge lies in translating the findings of the study and the heightened public awareness into tangible positive changes for the benefit of horses and their caregivers.