New horse transport laws
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
From 5th January 2008, anyone involved in the transport of equines ( horses, ponies, donkeys and mules) in connection with an economic activity, will need a Certificate of Competence.
The new legislation, called the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 2006, Statutory Instrument No 3260/2006 – known as ‘ WATOs’ – is designed to protect the welfare of horses before, during and after transport.
An ‘ economic activity’ applies to anyone who
- Transports horses commercially, ie: horse transport firms
- Makes their living from horses, ie: riding schools, livery yards, racehorse trainers, professional showjumpers, dressage riders, breeders, etc
- Is involved with the transport of horses as part of their employment, ie: grooms
- Is involved with transporting horses for sale or slaughter
It does not apply to a person taking their privately-owned horse in their own horsebox/trailer to an event.
The British Driving Society (BDS) is one of only 4 DEFRA-Approved Awarding Bodies for the new Certificates of Competence. We are the national, not for profit organisation responsible for all harness horse driving in the UK, and are committed to providing user-friendly, cost-effective products and services to the whole horse world. You do not need to be a BDS Member, nor to have any involvement with harness horses, to use our services.
A typical commercial training organisation charges £120 - £180 for WATOs training and assessment, plus £15+ for the syllabus. The BDS charges £65 for the Attendants/Grooms Certificate, and £75 for the transport Driver’s Certificate, and the syllabus is free ! Furthermore, BDS trainers and assessors will travel to any suitable venue at no extra charge, providing you can assemble a group of 5 or more candidates, so staff do not have to be away for the day.
To help you decide if you need a WATOs Certificate, we have a list of very helpful Q&As, put together with DEFRA, plus a free download of the BDS WATOs syllabus on the BDS website – http://www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk - you can telephone the BDS Office on 01473 892 001 during normal office hours.
