BHS calls for change following the death of a horse
18th June 2007The British Horse Society is calling for changes to be introduced at Appleby Horse Fair after a horse drowned at this year's event.
The incident happened on Friday, 8 June at the fair which takes place annually in the village of Appleby in Westmoreland, Cumbria. Horses and ponies are washed in the River Eden prior to being sold at the fair. According to tradition, the animals' heads must be dunked beneath the water before they can be returned to dry land.
The drowned animal is thought to have panicked at the dunking, possibly breaking a leg in the process. Witnesses report that the horse's rider repeatedly dunked the animal's head until it failed to submerge causing the rider to flee the scene. A chain of bystanders formed to rescue the animal but their attempts were not successful.
Lee Hackett, BHS Welfare Senior Executive, said: "The drowning of a young horse is clearly abhorrent and, although it would seem to be a tragic one-off event, it is essential steps are taken to ensure it cannot happen again.
"In common with much of the horse world, Appleby Fair is steeped in tradition but, in this instance, we take the view that urgent modernisation is required. The practice of completely submerging horses' heads is archaic and serves no clear purpose. Total submersion is not a natural state for the horse and is likely to result in fear and distress being caused to the animal. With no apparent justification for the ritual continuing the BHS is lobbying strongly for its abolition."
He added: "We welcome the news that both the police and the RSPCA are investigating the recent drowning and hope that their enquiries result in action being taken against those responsible. It is also to be hoped that the broader scope to prevent suffering provided by the Animal Welfare Act (2006) will ensure that the welfare of all horses at fairs such as Appleby remains the primary concern of all those associated with these events."