Equine Code update: priority welfare issues for the Scientific Committee report

The Code Committee and Scientific Committee collectively identified the following list of priority welfare issues. The Scientific Committee is developing a synthesis of research on these topics, and their report will provide valuable information to the Code Committee as they update the Code of Practice.   

Pain recognition 

• Painful conditions and procedures
• Pain perception and recognition by owners
• Methods of evaluating pain (including pain scales)

Castration

• Complications and risks
• Pain control
• Review of research since previous Code  

Principles in training and learning theory

• Learning theory/reinforcement 
• Training methods and handling 
• Equipment usage  

Young horse development 

• Starting age 
• Musculoskeletal development 

Priority welfare issues are those that are particularly important for the welfare of the animals and that will particularly benefit from a review of the available research. Some animal welfare topics may not be selected for scientific review for any number of reasons (e.g., insufficient research). Welfare issues that are not selected for scientific review—yet fall within the scope of the Code—will still be addressed in the Code of Practice.