TBA Government Issues
The TBA continues to hold a high and respected profile in the political arena, and has seen a number of exciting positive developments over the past few years. Most important was the establishment of a dedicated Horse Industry team within DEFRA, who are charged with coordinating policies for the horse across the whole of government.
In addition to playing a leading part in developing policies with the British Horse Industry Confederation and the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders, the TBA has been working on a number of important issues, including:
- transport of breeding stock throughout Europe
- continued availability of veterinary medicines
- employment regulation
- rural development policies and grants
We have hosted visits for senior civil servants in Newmarket, and have been well represented at industry meetings with Cabinet Ministers. We continue to highlight the importance of our industry to the rural economy and to Great Britain plc.
Our main aim throughout the next few years continues to be the promotion of policies which will protect and enhance our industry. We will continue to ensure that the concerns and views of thoroughbred breeders throughout the country are heard at the highest levels in Whitehall and Brussels.
If you have any concerns or points you would like to bring to our attention please feel free to contact us.
Past TBA Government Issues Articles
Indian Trade Ban on the Importation of Equine Breeding Stock from Great Britain
THE THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION – Outline Briefing Paper – Indian Trade ban on the importation of equine breeding stock from Great Britain
Welfare of Animals During Transport
New EU rules for transporting animals came into force on 5 January 2007.
Single Farm Payments
English farmers will have started to receive full payments in February under the Single Payment Scheme.
Waste
The exclusion in section 75(7)(c) of agricultural waste from the 1990 Environmental Protection Act is the subject of infraction proceedings against the United Kingdom by the European Commission on the Waste Framework Directive and the Landfill Directive.
Licensing of livery yards
The licensing of livery yards is part of a raft of secondary legislation under the Animal Welfare Bill which has just finished its Committee stage in the House of Commons.
Movements of horses without passports from sales
It has become increasingly obvious that local authorities are interpreting the legislation for horses to be accompanied by a passport in varying ways.
Insurance Issues
Following industry lobbying, DEFRA have recently appointed a civil servant to work on insurance issues surrounding the former Mirvahedy judgement.