Use of qualitative methods to identify solutions to selected equine welfare problems in Ireland.
Authors: Collins J A, More S J, Hanlon A, Wall P G, McKenzie K, Duggan V
Journal: The Veterinary record
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Tackling Equine Welfare in Ireland Through Stakeholder Engagement Recognising that unregulated horse gatherings and inadequate disposal practices posed significant welfare risks in Ireland, Collins and colleagues engaged with industry representatives, welfare organisations, government bodies and socially marginalised horse owners through semistructured interviews, focus groups and a facilitated workshop to identify practical, consensual solutions. Despite the diversity of participants—spanning commercial dealers, veterinarians, welfare advocates and disadvantaged communities—strong agreement emerged around five key interventions: establishment of a comprehensive equine identification system, development of a Code of Practice governing horse gatherings, introduction of a licensing scheme for horse handlers, dedicated funding mechanisms for humane disposal, and improved public awareness campaigns highlighting welfare responsibilities. The qualitative methodology proved particularly valuable for surfacing implementable solutions that transcended traditional stakeholder divides, suggesting that consensus-building dialogue can resolve seemingly intractable welfare governance gaps. For practitioners, these findings underscore the viability of systemic improvements achievable through multi-stakeholder approaches, whilst also highlighting that welfare standards at grassroots level—gatherings and disposal—require regulatory frameworks and resourced support rather than voluntary compliance alone. The framework proposed here has relevance beyond Ireland, particularly for regions lacking standardised welfare oversight at unregulated trading events and in end-of-life care protocols.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Industry professionals should expect future regulatory changes regarding horse identification and licensing schemes in Ireland
- •Establishment of formal gatherings Code of Practice will likely influence management standards for horse events and sales
- •Investment in responsible disposal pathways and welfare awareness programs will create opportunities for welfare-focused practitioners to demonstrate value to stakeholders
Key Findings
- •Qualitative research involving industry, welfare societies, disadvantaged groups and government identified consensus on four key welfare improvement areas
- •Development of comprehensive identification system, Code of Practice for gatherings, horse licensing scheme, and ring-fenced disposal funding were identified as priority solutions
- •Stakeholder engagement across multiple sectors achieved agreement on need for improved awareness and education regarding horse welfare value