Licensing of Rescue Centres - Round Table
1st November 2019
We were delighted to be invited by DEFRA to attend a round table discussion relating to the proposed licensing of rescue centres in England (dogs, cats and horses). Caroline, our General Manager, attended the meeting in York that focussed on equine centres, joining a number of other equine charities including HAPPA, World Horse Welfare, The Donkey Sanctuary, RSPCA, New Beginnings and Hope Pasture for a lively and passionate discussion about equine welfare. The potential for collaboration is amazing!
Oak Tree fully supports the proposals for the licensing of rescue centres to make sure that animal welfare is not compromised and get the high quality care in rescue organisation facilities and that unscrupulous animal vendors do not seek to exploit loopholes in legislation by setting up as animal rescue centres which are currently unregulated. However, there will be significant challenges ahead for DEFRA in terms of defining rescue centres and detailing legislation that is fair, achievable and enforceable.
We look forward to future consultations on this matter and hope that, through this, we can help ensure that the welfare of horses is not compromised in rescue environments.