NEWC (The National Equine Welfare Council) member charities are asking equine owners and keepers how they are being affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
A new survey is being launched today (Wednesday 21st December) to gauge how people are coping this winter.
NEWC Chair, Carolyn Madgwick, said: “We want to establish how those of us who care for equines are dealing with the current economic climate”.
“The questions being asked include things like ‘what changes, if any, have you seen in equine care costs in the last year’, and ‘what changes have you made or are considering to save money?”.
“NEWC intends to use the anonymised results to produce a report which will be shared with the public and the UK Government, Devolved Administrations and local authorities and will enable us to develop and publish guidance and advice to support those caring for equines across the UK”.
There are two separate survey links:
The survey for equine owners can be found here. It is completely anonymous as no personal data will be collected.
Equine rescue/sanctuary organisations are also being asked about their experience in a separate survey which can be found here.
The surveys have been developed in tandem to help findings from each to create a fuller picture of how rising costs are impacting equine welfare. Both surveys will run from 21st December to 31st January.
The research is being undertaken on behalf of NEWC by Redwings Horse Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare, Blue Cross, The British Horse Society, Oak Tree Animal Sanctuary and the British Farrier and Blacksmith Association.
Advice for equine owners and managers on Cutting Costs Not Care can be downloaded from the NEWC website.