A ministerial session in the Senedd today revealed the Minister for Rural Affairs is not aware of a significant campaign to improve the welfare of equines.
Welsh Conservative Samuel Kurtz MS questioned Lesley Griffiths about the gaps in Welsh Legislation regarding equine identification.
The questions were prompted by the World Horse Welfare’s campaign, which included a mass letter writing campaign to Members of the Senedd.
Mr Kurtz, who is Wales’ Shadow Rural Affairs Minister, welcomed the mandatory microchipping of horses in Wales, but raised his concerns about the accuracy of the paper passports currently used to trace horses, as well as the low number of microchipped equines entered onto the central equine database.
Campaigners have argued that the current equine ID legislation is insufficient as much of the data collected via the existing system is out-of-date.
The UK Government is consulting later this year on equine identification and traceability, but when asked what the Welsh Government was going to do, Ms Griffiths said:
“I'm not aware of any correspondence. You referred to quite a large amount of correspondence. Certainly, nothing's come across my desk; whether it's in the pipeline, I don't know. But I will have a discussion with the chief veterinary officer.”
Speaking outside the Chamber, Samuel Kurtz – MS for Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire – said:
“It’s somewhat disappointing to hear that the Minister is not aware of the World Horse Welfare’s campaign to improve the welfare of equines, especially given the high levels of correspondence that both colleagues and I have been receiving from campaigners.
“Although this is bound to happen on occasion, it does suggest that the Welsh Government is missing out on identifying shortcomings in the system, and indeed, some workable and sound solutions.
“The hurt caused to owners of stolen horses can be alleviated far quicker by having a system that works. It’s vital that we help bring to justice those individuals who think they can get away with such deplorable acts.”
Samuel finished: “One silver lining to come out of this, is that the Minister did not immediately rule out the digitisation of equine passports – as the British Horseracing Authority started in July – and providing a frictionless service to safeguard the welfare of horses. I would happily welcome any chance to work with her on this.”