Seven Million Horses at Risk – Remus Backs Call for Legal Reform

Remus Horse Sanctuary welcomes the recent call from World Horse Welfare (WHW) urging the European Union to strengthen animal welfare laws and better protect the continent’s seven million equines. The charity’s report, Invisible Horses, highlights the lack of species-specific legislation and enforcement across the EU, leaving many horses, donkeys, and mules vulnerable to neglect, abuse, and exploitation. The report reveals that equines often fall through the cracks of existing regulations, particularly during transport, at slaughterhouses, and when used for work or tourism.

WHW’s recommendations include creating EU-wide minimum standards of care for equines, improved enforcement mechanisms, and greater recognition of the vital role equines play in rural economies. The charity also stresses the importance of educating owners and authorities to ensure that all equines are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, said: “This long-awaited review is not only necessary but urgent. Equines across Europe have suffered in silence for too long, and we wholeheartedly support WHW’s call for action. It’s time these animals were properly recognised in law and given the protection they need and deserve.”

The call for legislative reform also echoes the Sanctuary’s own Born to Die campaign, which highlights the thousands of horses in the UK bred each year only to be discarded, neglected, or slaughtered when they are no longer wanted. The campaign raises awareness of this heartbreaking cycle and calls for greater responsibility and accountability within the equine industry. Like WHW’s report, it reinforces the urgent need for stronger, enforceable laws to protect equines at every stage of their lives.

The White Paper ‘Good Welfare for Equids’ can be viewed online.

If you would like to find out more about the vital work at Remus Horse Sanctuary, you will be able to visit on Sunday 1 June from 1pm until 4pm, for one of the Sanctuary’s family and dog-friendly Open Days. Book your ticket online at: https://www.remussanctuary.org/events/open-day-at-the-sanctuary-june/ or contact the Sanctuary on: 01277 356191.