Thursday 12th June 2008 was launch day for the National Equine Welfare Protocol, which has been developed by representatives from local and national government, the Police, welfare organisations including Redwings, and others with an interest in equine welfare. It is applicable throughout the UK.

The Protocol sets out guidelines for how cases of equine neglect and abuse should be reported and handled, and what the relevant organisations can do to reduce the incidence of equine welfare problems. Redwings were delighted to be involved in its preparation.

In a foreword to the Protocol, the Princess Royal writes: "The Protocol recognises the diversity of national and local government and non-governmental organisations involved in the prevention of equine welfare abuse, provides a framework for their effective cooperation, advises how public concerns can be communicated and sets out expectations on what can, and cannot, be done when equine abuse is observed or suspected."

Redwings Chief Executive Lynn Cutress said: "For Redwings, this Protocol endorses our principles of working with colleague organisations to improve the welfare of equines at all levels."

"Redwings takes a practical approach and has experience of working at grass roots to tackle what can often be sensitive and complex situations. We support the Protocol's approach to tackling welfare issues in a more cohesive way."

"One key to our approach is seeking to get at the heart of the particular case or issue in hand. Over the coming months we will continue to learn from ours and colleagues' experiences to ensure the commitments made in the Protocol are workable and the Protocol is not simply left on a shelf."

Redwings was one of a number of leading equine welfare charities and other organisations brought together to carry out a National Equine Welfare Review and the Protocol is the resulting document, a copy of which can be downloaded by clicking on the document image below:

• Welfare leaflets