Here are some of the Acts, Policies, Protocols and Regulations that apply to UK equines

Animal By-products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2011
Defra guidance for the disposal of fallen stock including a section for horse owners. This states: “According to the 2005 ABPR that horses are generally categorised as farm animals and their carcasses must be properly disposed of at an approved site”.
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Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006
Minimum Values (legislation which prohibits the export of ponies and working horses worth less than a specified amount).
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Animal Welfare in Wales
The Welsh Government is responsible for the control and, where possible, the eradication of animal disease in Wales to improve the health and welfare of our animals.
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Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
The Act contains new streamlined measures to tackle anti-social behaviour such as fly-grazing, making it easier for authorities to investigate incidents thoroughly and target perpetrators directly.
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Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and their Hybrids
A Defra publication setting out standards for looking after horses on farms or in livery yards.
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Defra Guidance
Advice and guidance on protecting animal welfare on farms, in transport, at markets and at slaughter.
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Horse Passports
All horses, ponies and donkeys must have a horse passport. Owners can be fined up to £5,000 for failing to have a valid passport.
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The Animal Welfare Act 2006
Makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met.
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The Animals Act 1971
Legislation relating mainly to the liabilities and responsibilities of animal ownership.
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The Tripartite Agreement
An agreement made between France, Ireland and the United Kingdom to enable free movement and import from third countries of equines provided animal health guarantees are implemented.
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Transporting horses
Horses cannot be transported or exported without their passport.  There are specific rules when transporting in connection with an economic activity.
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Protocol for Management of Horses in York
The Protocol explains the various roles and responsibilities of the agencies involved and the processes that should be followed to help manage horse related problems in York.
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