Horses: Animal Welfare

(asked on 20th October 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans he has to support equine rescue charities whose income has reduced as a result of the covid-19 outbreak and who are ineligible for the job support schemes.


Answered by
John Whittingdale Portrait
John Whittingdale
This question was answered on 23rd October 2020

There are already generous measures in place to support the voluntary and community sector which include more than £1.3 billion a year in respect of Gift Aid on donations. Charities play an invaluable role in this country which is why the Government has made available an unprecedented £750 million package of support, specifically for charities, social enterprises and the voluntary sector so that they can continue their vital work through the coronavirus outbreak.

The Government has also worked closely with the sector through the Canine and Feline Sector Group and National Equine Welfare Council to agree and update guidance to animal rescue and rehoming organisations, and other animal charities and businesses. This has enabled them to undertake core operations as far as possible, whilst maintaining compliance with the social distancing rules and need for hygiene precautions to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

DCMS and Defra remain committed to continued engagement with the sector to understand the longer-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, monitor the animal welfare implications of this and offer appropriate advice and support.

Reticulating Splines