Unwanted Feeding and Other Interactions Between Passers-By and Horses: Owners’ Views During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Amelia Cameron, Emmeline Hannelly, Gabrielle Madders, Emma L Mellor, David Marlin, Jo Hockenhull
Journal: Anthrozoös
Summary
# Editorial Summary During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased public access to outdoor spaces coincided with anecdotal reports of more unwanted interference with horses, prompting Cameron and colleagues to quantify the problem through two large-scale surveys (UK owners, n=1,017; global respondents, n=2,747). Unwanted feeding emerged as the most concerning interference event, reported by 77% of UK horse owners, with nearly a third of affected horses experiencing aftereffects and 16% subsequently dying—making this a significant welfare and potentially legal liability issue. Globally, interference events were equally prevalent (80% of owners), encompassing everything from well-intentioned but inappropriate stroking to dangerous situations such as dog attacks and equipment tampering. The authors' findings suggest that whilst COVID-19 restrictions may have exacerbated visibility of these problems, interference with horses is fundamentally a common occurrence requiring systematic public education and behaviour change. For equine professionals advising clients, the research underscores the importance of discussing practical management strategies—such as strategic hedging and secure fencing—alongside conversations about the genuine health risks posed by public interaction, particularly the hidden dangers of indiscriminate feeding which owners may underestimate given delayed or non-obvious clinical signs.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Install robust physical barriers (hedgerows, fencing) between public rights of way and pastures to reduce unwanted interactions while maintaining legal access
- •Educate neighbours and the public about risks of feeding horses — emphasize that seemingly harmless treats can cause serious illness or death, and that horses may bite or kick when approached unexpectedly
- •Monitor pasture-kept horses regularly for signs of illness following public contact, and maintain emergency contact with your veterinarian in case of suspected toxic ingestion
Key Findings
- •77% of UK horse owners reported unwanted feeding events, with 28% of affected horses experiencing aftereffects and 16% subsequently dying
- •Globally, 80% of owners reported interference events ranging from stroking to serious incidents such as dog attacks
- •Mixed perceptions regarding whether COVID-19 lockdowns increased the frequency of interference events
- •Primary risk factors include lack of public education and inadequate physical barriers between public spaces and pastures