Horse insurance: Equine experts push for welfare body role
Horse insurance policyholders have been told that equestrian bodies have expressed their concern that the experts selected for a government review of animal welfare policy may not include an equine specialist.
Last month, agriculture minister Jim Paice said that a new body, which will include 12 non-government experts, will be established to look at how disease and other animal community incidents are addressed in England.
However, Horse and Hound reported that it is feared the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England could overlook the equine sector.
Professor Tim Morris, who was part of the independent advisory group that recommended the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs establish the board, said: "It is absolutely vital that the board includes at least one member with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the horse sector, which in many ways is in a unique position."
However, Mr Paice has warned that not every sector will be specifically represented on the new body.
Outbreaks of contagious equine diseases last year have highlighted the importance of robust control policy and horse insurance.
May 11th 2011
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