![Our work in EU Policy](https://storage.googleapis.com/worldhorsewelfare-cloud/2022/03/d494fc41-eu-flag-header.jpg)
Our work in EU Policy
We inform and influence European policy to better protect equine welfare.
We inform and influence European policy to better protect equine welfare.
World Horse Welfare has been working constructively with EU institutions and agencies, Member States, the sector, NGOs and veterinary medicine for almost 100 years to influence policy.
We build relationships with stakeholders including industry, sport, farming, meat trade, transporters, markets, NGOs and other stakeholders to develop informed policy recommendations that are practical, enforceable and enforced.
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![Protection of equines during transport](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-whwwp-screenbeetle-c/2019/08/68cedaa5-our-campaigns-1400-x-500_0009_long-distance-transport.jpg)
Protection of equines during transport
We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end long-distance transport of equines across the EU for slaughter.
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![Working equids in the European Union](https://storage.googleapis.com/worldhorsewelfare-cloud/2023/01/eab3f320-working_equids_eu_tile.jpg)
Working equids in the European Union
Find out more about the roles of working equids in the EU and our recommendations to ensure they are protected in EU policies.
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![Responsible ownership of equines](https://storage.googleapis.com/worldhorsewelfare-cloud/2022/03/b226d10c-responsible-horse-ownership.png)
Responsible ownership of equines
Encouraging and supporting responsible ownership is the cornerstone of horse welfare.
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![Equine meat labelling](https://storage.googleapis.com/worldhorsewelfare-cloud/2022/03/487dc6db-equine-meat-labelling.png)
Equine meat labelling
Equine meat should be labelled for Country of Origin and welfare information.
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![Equine ID and traceability](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-whwwp-screenbeetle-c/2019/08/a1be6dcf-our-campaigns-2000-x-1333_0001_equine-id.jpg)
Equine ID and traceability
Correct identification ensures horses are visible and their welfare is better protected.
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![Exclusion from the food chain](https://storage.googleapis.com/worldhorsewelfare-cloud/2022/03/1cbb1a1d-exclusion-of-equines-from-the-food-chain-tile.jpeg)
Exclusion from the food chain
Rules on the exclusion of equines for good from the food chain should be reviewed to avoid major risks to equine welfare.
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![Horse welfare at slaughter](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-whwwp-screenbeetle-c/2019/08/376e6cb4-our-campaigns-2000-x-1333_0008_cctv-in-slaughterhouses.jpg)
Horse welfare at slaughter
The slaughter of horses is a very emotive topic but it can be an acceptable end of life option.
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![Working equids and the SDGs](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-whwwp-screenbeetle-c/2019/08/16d56057-our-positions-2000-x-1333_0003_contributions-to-sdgs.jpg)
Working equids and the SDGs
Horses are a vital and relevant part of human society across the world.
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![Equine meat from non-EU countries](https://storage.googleapis.com/worldhorsewelfare-cloud/2022/03/ff7861d9-equine-meat-from-non-eu-countries-tile.jpg)
Equine meat from non-EU countries
Equine meat imported from third countries should follow similar rules as the ones applying within the EU borders.
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![Horse meat scandal](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-whwwp-screenbeetle-c/2019/09/e46fd476-horsemeat-position-2000-x-1333.jpg)
Horse meat scandal
In early 2013, it came to light that horse meat had been mislabelled as beef, highlighting just how little information is available to consumers on where their food comes from.
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![Horses in sport](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-whwwp-screenbeetle-c/2019/08/7af3783d-our-positions-2000-x-1333_0028_horses-in-sport.jpg)
Horses in sport
We support the responsible use of horses in sport so long as their welfare is put first.
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![Horse smuggling in Europe and the UK](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-whwwp-screenbeetle-c/2019/09/b6dcb92a-our-positions-2000-x-1333_0004_exports-imports-to_from-the-uk.jpg)
Horse smuggling in Europe and the UK
Horse export and import laws should be better enforced to stop horses being moved under the radar.
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![Horse welfare during transport in GB](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-whwwp-screenbeetle-c/2019/08/04815073-our-campaigns-2000-x-1333_0007_welfare-during-transport.jpg)
Horse welfare during transport in GB
We believe improvements could be made to improve the welfare of equines during transport in Great Britain.
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![Horse welfare enforcement](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-whwwp-screenbeetle-c/2019/08/7ada2236-our-positions-2000-x-1333_0017_enforcement.jpg)
Horse welfare enforcement
Enforcement of legislation is critical to ensuring the welfare of horses around the world.
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![Horses and fireworks](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-whwwp-screenbeetle-c/2019/08/caabc7bc-safer-fireworks-2000-1333.jpg)
Horses and fireworks
Fireworks can cause stress and fear in horses and potentially result in severe accidents.
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![Horse crisis in the UK](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-whwwp-screenbeetle-c/2019/08/1f545436-our-campaigns-2000-x-1333_0002_control-of-horses-act.jpg)
Horse crisis in the UK
More than 6,000 horses at risk of neglect or suffering in England and Wales.
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![Equine rescue centres and sanctuaries](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-whwwp-screenbeetle-c/2019/08/f61b8601-our-campaigns-2000-x-1333_0006_animal-welfare-establishments.jpg)
Equine rescue centres and sanctuaries
Ensuring good welfare standards at all places where vulnerable horses are cared for.
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![Protecting horses from disease](https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-whwwp-screenbeetle-c/2019/08/36a0085e-our-positions-2000-x-1333_0006_protecting-horses-from-disease.jpg)
Protecting horses from disease
There is an ever present and increasing threat of disease affecting our horses globally.