The BHS Scotland Welfare Committee consists of a regional network of representatives able to provide advice and practical assistance, and respond at a moment's notice to a local welfare concern. We are also actively involved in all aspects of horse care and seek to influence the Scottish Parliament on welfare matters.

Browse through the drop down menus to find out more.

The Horses Prayer neatly summarises why we do what we do.  Have a read and let us know what you think.

SPRING 2012 NEW WELFARE REP TRAINING - details tbc, email bhsscotland@bhs.org.uk for info

Winter First Aid and Horse Care
Are we heading for another Winter like this? Frozen for weeks on end.....
Do not fear! BHS Scotland and Tay Valley Vets, Perth have put together the following advice to help you prepare for the winter weeks ahead. Click the following link for more information on what should be in your first aid box, when to worm and the importance of water! Winter First Aid and Horse Care

Passport plans on hold in England & Wales
Plans to move to a single Passport Issuing Authority in England & Wales have been put on hold.  The current NED contract is to be extended by up to 18 months to allow alternative plans to be explored to improve the system.  More information will be available shortly from DEFRA.

Horse Owners Urged to Register with Animal Health’s Disease Alert Service
Animal Health, the government agency tasked with minimising the risk and impact of notifiable animal diseases in Great Britain, is reminding horse owners to keep track of outbreaks of exotic equine diseases by registering with its Disease Alert Subscription Service.

By signing up, subscribers to the free service can receive information about diseases such as Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) and West Nile Virus via their choice of text, fax, voicemail or email.  By getting the correct information as early as possible it will help minimise the risk of these diseases.

Horse owners can subscribe to Animal Health’s disease alert service by visiting www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/alerts/subscribe.htm

Animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006
This Act places a duty of care on pet owners and others responsible for animals (including horses, ponies and donkeys) to ensure that the welfare needs of their animals are met. It also allows the Scottish Parliament to make further regulations to regulate other animal-related activities including, for example, the running of livery yards.

The duty of care is based on the "Five Freedoms":

* Freedom from hunger and thirst
* Freedom from discomfort
* Freedom from pain, injury and disease
* Freedom to express normal behaviour
* Freedom from fear and distress

The Scottish Government Code of Practice for the Welfare of Equidae gives advice on how to provide your horse or pony with care that ensures it has the five freedoms. The 75 point document is a practical guide for owners and keepers responsible for equines in Scotland and sets out the underpinning principles of horse care.