Welfare of Equids: Guidance

Appendices

Appendix 1: Equid‑centred quarantine and isolation plan

This quarantine plan is designed to protect equid health and welfare while minimising stress and fear to the equid. It prioritises the equid’s physical and mental needs alongside robust biosecurity, using evidence‑based, proportionate and compassionate practices.

Core Principles:

• Equid-centred decision-making: the equid’s welfare is the primary consideration at all stages.
• Alignment with the five domains model: management considers nutrition, physical environment, health, behaviour, and mental state, recognising their cumulative impact on welfare.
• Proportional biosecurity: measures are risk-based and no more restrictive than necessary.
• Veterinary-led oversight: quarantine decisions are informed by veterinary risk assessment, diagnostics and ongoing clinical guidance.
• Transparency and accountability: clear records, responsibilities and review points.
• Continuous welfare monitoring: early identification of stress, illness or behavioural change.

This plan applies to all equids entering quarantine or requiring isolation due to:

• New arrivals to a premises.
• Disease risk exposure or unknown health history.

Veterinary oversight:

• A veterinary surgeon should be involved in determining quarantine duration, testing protocols and biosecurity measures.
• Veterinary examination on arrival, where indicated by risk assessment or welfare concerns.
• Diagnostic testing (e.g. strangles screening, blood tests) guided by veterinary advice.
• Ongoing veterinary input where quarantine exceeds standard durations or where mental wellbeing is compromised.

Quarantine duration:

• Standard period: 14–21 days, based on disease risk assessment and veterinary advice.
• Adjustments: duration may be shortened or extended following veterinary risk assessment, diagnostic testing or welfare considerations.

Pre‑arrival planning:

• Conduct a risk assessment considering origin, transport history, vaccination status, previous testing and clinical signs.
• Prepare a dedicated quarantine area in advance.
• Ensure availability of:
  • Separate equipment (buckets, grooming tools, mucking out tools).
• PPE where appropriate.
• Cleaning and disinfection supplies.

Quarantine environment:

Quarantine management must actively support all five domains of animal welfare, recognising that disease prevention measures can affect both physical and mental wellbeing:

• Physically separated from resident equids (minimum practical distance; no nose‑to‑nose contact).
• Visual contact with other equids where possible to reduce social isolation.
• Safe, secure fencing and clear signage.
• Clean, well‑ventilated stable or shelter, or field with:
  • Adequate space to lie down, turn, and rest comfortably.
  • Dry, comfortable bedding.
  • Good natural light and airflow without draughts.
• For equids that are stabled, turnout should be provided daily.
• Continuous access to forage to support gut health and reduce stress.
• Predictable daily routine.

Daily care and management:

• Maintain the equid’s usual diet where possible.
• Any feed changes made gradually and only if necessary.
• Fresh water provided at all times.
• Avoid unnecessary procedures.
• In‑hand walking or light exercise if clinically appropriate.
• Opportunities for movement and exploration without compromising biosecurity.
• Monitor appetite and water intake.
• Monitor behaviour and demeanour.
• Monitor manure consistency and frequency.

Biosecurity measures:

• Dedicated clothing, footwear, and equipment for quarantine area.
• Hand hygiene before and after contact.
• Quarantine equids cared for after resident equids.
• Manure and waste managed to prevent cross‑contamination.
• Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment using equine‑safe products.

Welfare safeguards:

• Monitor for signs of stress, anxiety, depression, or stereotypic behaviour.
• Adjust management promptly if welfare concerns arise.
• Quarantine must never be used as isolation or punishment.
• Social needs considered at all times, balancing infection risk and welfare.

Release from quarantine/isolation:

Final release decisions must be supported by veterinary guidance, ensuring both disease risk mitigation and individual welfare considerations are met. An equid may exit quarantine when:

• The minimum quarantine period has been completed.
• No clinical signs of infectious disease are present.
• Any required tests are negative.
• A final welfare and health check has been completed.

Appendix 2: emergency planning for equids

1. Strategic guidance for authorities and planners

Preparing for emergencies is essential for protecting both people and animals. Emergencies that affect human communities, such as flooding, fire, severe weather, extreme heat or cold, or disruption to critical infrastructure, will also affect the equids who live within those communities. In line with the National Risk Register, the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, and the responsibilities of Scotland’s Regional and Local Resilience Partnerships, equids must be explicitly considered within local and national emergency planning arrangements.

The Regional Resilience Partnerships' Risk Preparedness Assessment - Ready Scotland promotes a whole-of-society, all-risks, consequence-based approach. This means planning for the effects of emergencies rather than trying to predict every possible cause. Many emergencies, regardless of origin, result in similar consequences, including displacement, restricted access, interrupted feed or water supply, behavioural distress, damage to stables or grazing areas, and reduced capacity for veterinary care.

Integrating these foreseeable consequences into existing risk assessments ensures that planning remains efficient, proportionate and free from unnecessary duplication. Embedding equid welfare within established emergency preparedness processes also supports consistent decision-making and reflects the practical realities of responding to incidents involving equids, whose behavioural and handling needs require thoughtful consideration during periods of disruption.

2. Emergency preparedness for owners and keepers

Everyone responsible for an equid has a duty to consider how they will meet their animal’s welfare needs during reasonably foreseeable emergencies. A simple, practical emergency plan enables custodians to make informed decisions before, during and after an incident, and to act quickly when normal routines are disrupted.

An effective plan should reflect local risks and the consequence-based categories described in the Scottish RRP guidance, including:

Human Casualties:

If you or your team are injured, ill or unable to attend the animals:

• ensure a trusted alternative caregiver has a copy of your emergency plan,
• keep essential information visible and accessible for emergency responders,
• provide instructions on access, handling, and any special needs.

Displacement:

Emergencies may require temporary or prolonged relocation.

Evacuation:

• identify safe refuge locations,
• secure appropriate transport for equids (noting behavioural or handling needs),
• maintain several days’ supply of forage, water and essential medications,
• understand the capabilities of any local Community Animal Response Teams (CARTs).

Sheltering in place:

• assess whether it is safe for you and the equids to remain,
• maintain sufficient water, forage and shelter for several days,
• share access and welfare information with emergency and veterinary, responders if you must evacuate without the animals.

Damage to infrastructure:

Emergencies may disrupt buildings, fencing, grazing, water pumps, electricity, communication systems or transport routes. Plans should include:

• alternative water sources or storage,
• backup feed provision,
• safe areas for temporary relocation within the property,
• arrangements for care until essential services are restored.

Planning ahead reduces risk, supports all five domains of equine wellbeing, and enables emergency services and veterinary professionals to act safely and effectively when responding to incidents involving equids.