HC Deb 16 February 1989 vol 147 c351W
16. Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps have been taken to improve the welfare of horses, ponies and other equines since 1979; what further measures he proposes to take and when; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Horses and other equines have always been protected by the general legislation on animal welfare. Since 1979 they have benefited from the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act and the Protection Against Cruel Tethering Act. My Department hopes this year to finalise a draft order and code of practice giving horses statutory protection in markets for the first time, and we are also preparing new measures on welfare at slaughter.