Care and Protection of Animals (Commercial Horse Stables) (Licensing) Regulations 2005 (B.R. No. 28 of 2005)

CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 1 BR 28 / 2005 CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS ACT 1975 1975 : 33 CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS 1 Short title 2 Interpretation 3 General requirements 4 Barn 5 Paddocks and fences 6 Stables and shelters 7 Feed and water 8 Horses 9 Tethering 10 Facility operations 11 Carriage operations 12 Operators and drivers 13 Fire safety 14 Transport of horses 15 Licensing of commercial horse stables 16 Suspension or revocation of licence 17 Offences 18 Penalties 19 Revocation SCHEDULE The Minister for the Environment, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 7 of the Care and Protection of Animals Act 1975, makes the following Regulations: Short title 1 These Regulations may be cited as the Care and Protection of Animals (Commercial Horse Stables) (Licensing) Regulations 2005. CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 2 Interpretation 2 (1) In these Regulations ⎯ "Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection; "Director" means the Director of the Department of Environmental Protection; "horse" includes any mare, gelding, pony, foal, colt, filly or stallion and also any ass or mule; "premises" includes land; "recognised society" means the corporate body known as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or any society or body declared to be a recognised society under section 16 of the Care and Protection of Animals Act 1975. (2) References in these Regulations to the keeping of a commercial horse stable or facility shall, subject to this regulation, be construed as references to the carrying on, in return for payment, of the business of keeping horses for breeding, boarding, hire, driving or for instruction in riding. (3) For the purposes of these regulations a person keeping a commercial horse stable or facility shall be taken to keep it at the premises where the horses employed for the purposes of the business are kept. General requirements 3 (1) The proprietor of a stable shall ensure that every horse under his care is cared for in accordance with the minimum standards contained in these Regulations. (2) The manager of any commercial horse facility, and any person in charge of a horse used for a commercial purpose, shall comply with the requirements and directives of any legal authority, as far as the welfare of the horses, safety of any person and maintenance and upgrading of the facility are concerned. Barn 4 (1) The building and the premises used as a commercial horse facility shall comply with all the requirements of the Department of Planning. (2) Every part of a premises used as a commercial horse facility shall be adequately lighted by natural or artificial means so as to permit any activity to be carried on safely and to permit effective inspection and the cleaning of the premises. CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 3 (3) The barn shall have exterior and interior lighting sufficient for the safe operation of the facility and safe movement of people and horses. (4) Tack must be stored in an area that is dry, well lighted and is separate from the horses. (5) Electrical fittings shall be protected from the weather elements, be rodent-proof and out of reach of the horses. (6) All facilities shall be kept clean and properly drained; all facilities shall be free of debris, unsanitary conditions which might harbour or be excessively conducive to the breeding of insects, rodents or disease, and be free of nuisances including odours, accumulation of refuse or excrement. (7) Each stable shall have implements and materials such as brooms, hoses, hose connections, covered receptacles, brushes, disinfectants, detergents and any other items as may be required to maintain sanitary conditions. (8) Soiled bedding and faeces shall be stored in covered containers or in a manure pit which has a floor pitched to provide drainage into a cesspit and the area where such material is stored shall be accessible by a truck or wheelbarrow to facilitate its removal. (9) A rest-room, which meets standards of the Department of Health, shall be accessible to persons using the facility. (10) Any area designated for the washing of a horse shall have a floor made of concrete or other material impermeable to water, and the floor shall be pitched to provide drainage from a wash area into a cesspit or a soak away. (11) A sign of at least 18" x 24" in size shall be prominently posted, displaying, in bold lettering of at least 2 inches high — (a) the name and address of the stable facility; (b) the name and contact telephone number(s) of a person responsible for the care of the horses; and (c) the procedure to follow in case of an emergency, i.e. "Dial 911, release horses into paddock" etc. (12) Access to the facility shall be sufficiently large to permit entry by emergency vehicles. (13) The facility shall have a basic first aid kit readily available at an identified location. CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 4 Paddocks & fences 5 (1) A paddock area delineated with fencing or other means, shall be available for the horses. (2) All fences shall be in good repair and shall be constructed of a material and in a manner that renders the fence highly visible and safe for use with horses. (3) For the purposes of paragraph (2), "material" does not include barbed wire, narrow gauged (2.5 mm) high-tensile steel wire, or any other material that may cause injury to horses by virtue of its non stretching and non-breaking properties. (4) Fences shall have a minimum height of four and a half feet, or taller, if any horse being contained within requires a higher fence, and be constructed to prevent a horse from becoming wedged underneath, by the use of a bottom rail that shall be no more than one foot from the ground, or some other type of deterrent. (5) Gates shall have a minimum width of four feet, and be secured by a latch that may be opened by one hand of the handler. (6) Paddocks and fencing shall have no sharp projections or foot hazards located where a horse may have contact with them. Stables & shelters 6 (1) The building shall remain dry, and not prone to flooding as a result of rainfall or urination. (2) All stables shall be well lighted and ventilated, and provide shelter from the weather. (3) A horse shall be housed ⎯ (a) in a box stall which measures a minimum of 10' x 10', with a minimum height of 9', to permit normal postural movements and to permit the horse to lie in an area free of urine and faeces; or (b) in a straight stall, with a floor dimension of not less than 5' by 9' and a minimum height of 9'. (4) Operators of existing facilities with a permit from the Department of Planning to operate as a Commercial Horse Facility, and the operators of planned facilities already submitted to the Department of Planning, shall not be required to alter the dimensions of the stalls unless the current dimensions constitute a danger to horses. (5) Notwithstanding paragraph (4), operators of existing and planned facilities shall not reduce the size of a stall that is already smaller than 10' x 10'. CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 5 (6) Straight stalls shall not number more than twenty five per centum of the total number of stalls available. (7) Alleyways shall have a minimum width of six feet, and if they are open to rainfall or prone to flooding, they shall be pitched to provide drainage into a cesspit or a soak-away. (8) Stalls shall have floors that have a non-slip surface, be near level, be free of holes and be constructed to provide for proper drainage and may be of ⎯ (a) concrete, sealed and gently sloped for drainage, and covered with a rubber mat; (b) wood, constructed to provided drainage; or (c) earth that will provide rapid drainage and soak away fluids from the horse. (9) Stall floors shall be covered with bedding at least three inches deep to provide comfort and to absorb urine. (10) All bedding shall be free of dust and mould and not be abrasive and soiled bedding shall be changed at least once daily. (11) The lower four feet of a stall's walls and doors shall consist of a solid material. (12) Walls separating adjacent stalls shall have a minimum height of eight feet. (13) The width of stall doors shall be at least four feet; the top of stall doors shall be located at a height sufficient to contain the horse and shall be at least four feet above the stall floor: the distance between the bottom of the door of a stall and the stall floor shall not be more than eighteen inches. (14) Stalls and alleyways shall have no sharp projections or foot hazards located where a horse may come into contact with them. (15) Stalls shall have ventilation provided by artificial or natural means that provides for sufficient air changes to prevent accumulation of noxious odours or gases (16) Each stall shall have exposure to sunshine and every other stall shall contain at least one window or skylight; stalls shall have natural or operable artificial lighting that is sufficient for the inspection of the inside of a stall and the horse inside the stall. (17) Glass shall be covered or protected in a way that would prevent a horse from injuring itself with it; windows may contain safety glass or shatter-proof plastic, as these need not be covered or protected. CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 6 (18) Stalls of horses shall be inspected at least twice daily and cleaned if necessary and the time between attendances shall not be more than fifteen hours. (19) Horses kept outdoors shall be provided with a natural or artificial shelter against rain and direct sunshine, measuring at least sixty square feet per horse, in an area that is not prone to flooding. Feed and water 7 (1) Each horse shall receive feed and nutritional supplements, which are free of contamination, and are adequate and sufficient in quality and quantity to meet the nutritional needs of the horse and to maintain it in a healthy flesh and a body condition score of between 4 (moderately thin) and 7 (fleshy) on the body condition score chart specified in the Schedule. (2) Each horse shall have access to clean drinking water at all times while not actively working; this may be achieved by the use of an automatic waterer or by a 5-gallon bucket, which is both secured to prevent toppling and is easily accessible to the caretaker from the outside of the stall or paddock. (3) Each stall shall be equipped with a feed trough, manager or bucket, such that the horse need not feed from the floor or ground. (4) Hay and feed are to be stored in a room or area separate from the horses, in rodent-proof containers, and in a manner that renders it inaccessible to horses and minimises risk of fire. (5) Spilled feed and trash shall be eliminated as quickly as possible. Horses 8 (1) No horse shall be used for a commercial purpose unless the horse has been acclimatised to the conditions (i.e. sights, sounds, movements, etc.) inherent in the intended job. (2) Any horse used for a commercial purpose must be in good health, and must have received appropriate immunisations, anti parasitic treatments and other treatments or care needed in accordance with any directive from a registered veterinarian or a product's manufacturer; the horse must have a body condition score of between 4 (moderately thin) and 7 (fleshy) on the body condition score chart in the Schedule, and be physically fit to fulfil the requirements of the intended work. (3) Each horse shall be properly sized relative to the workload required of it; each horse used for carriage tours must weigh at least 1100 pounds, and each mule must weigh at least 800 pounds. CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 7 (4) Any horse used for a commercial purpose must be certified as fit for the intended work by a registered veterinarian in the preceding four months; the certificate of health shall identify the horse by complete description (including breed, colour, age, sex, markings and tattoo), diagram, microchip or photograph, and shall be kept at the stable where the horse is housed, and shall be available for inspection by an officer of the Department or of a recognised society. (5) No horse shall be used for a commercial purpose if that horse has any — (a) open or bleeding wound; (b) oozing sore; (c) cut below skin level; (d) lameness; (e) sign of ill-health; (f) injury; or (g) other condition that may be exacerbated by work, unless a licensed veterinarian has certified the horse as fit for work notwithstanding the horse's condition. (6) No horse shall be used for a commercial purpose if its ability to perceive pain has been impaired by medication, surgical procedure or otherwise. (7) Notwithstanding paragraph (6), a horse may be used for commercial purposes if its ability to perceive pain has been impaired as a result of anti-inflammatory medication used under the direction of a registered veterinarian and the registered veterinarian has certified the horse as fit for work notwithstanding its condition. (8) No horse shall be used for a commercial purpose if that horse is demonstrating any signs of exhaustion. (9) A horse that has a body temperature of one hundred and three degrees Fahrenheit or greater shall be made to cease working, be offered shade as soon as practicable, be rested and cooled off; a horse that maintains a body temperature of at least one hundred and three degrees Fahrenheit for thirty or more minutes while at rest, shall be returned to the stable, be unsaddled, unbridled and unhitched and not returned to work for at least twelve hours. (10) The hooves of every horse shall be properly trimmed, and if shod, their shoes must be non-slip type and be properly fitted and in good condition. CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 8 (11) The horse must be properly cleaned with no offensive odours or caked dirt or mud. Tethering 9 (1) Tethered horses shall be fitted with a secure halter or collar. (2) The site of tethering and the length of the tether should permit normal postural movements. (3) The tether must be attached to an immovable object in a manner which minimises the risk of entanglement. (4) The area across which the tether may travel must be free of obstructions that may entangle the tether; the tether must not be sited in a position that allows the horse to cross or reach any public access way, footpath or road or trespass any property. (5) Tethered horses must be inspected closely at least twice daily and the time between attendances shall not be more than fifteen hours. (6) Clean drinking water must be available for a horse which is going to be tethered for a period of more than forty-five minutes, in a container that is securely placed and the horse cannot upset. (7) Tethered horses must have access to an effective natural or artificial shade shelter. (8) Tethered horses must always have access to a dry area on which to stand or lie down. (9) Horses must not be tethered in circumstances likely to lead to their becoming agitated, distressed or injured, e.g. in-season mares close to stallions, or horses close to noisy machinery. Facility operations 10 (1) Every horse shall be attended to at least twice daily and the time between attendances shall not be more than fifteen hours. (2) On a day when no work is intended for a horse and the weather permits, it shall be turned out into a paddock for at least two hours daily, or engaged in controlled exercise for at least thirty minutes. (3) A horse is considered to be working any time it is being used for commercial gain by any person, including the time standing for hire and travelling to and from the job site. (4) A horse shall not be worked more than six consecutive days without at least one full day of rest. (5) A horse shall not be actively worked for more than one hour without a minimum ten-minute rest period; a horse shall not be worked CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 9 for more than ten hours (inclusive of the hourly rest periods) during any 24-hour period. (6) Where possible, horses shall be kept in shade during the hourly rest periods and whilst standing for hire. (7) A horse shall have access to drinking water during the hourly rest periods. (8) No bit, harness, tack, blanket, piece of equipment or tool shall be used upon a horse unless that item is appropriately clean, safe for use and, if applicable, properly fits the horse. (9) It is the responsibility of owners, drivers, and riders to protect the horse and, when under their control, to ensure that the horse is not left to roam freely and cause harm to the public or itself. (10) A horse shall not be worked during adverse weather or other conditions which are a threat to the health or safety of the horse or any person. Carriage operations 11 (1) A driver of a horse-drawn carriage shall not drive or transport passengers in excess of the number of passengers authorized to be carried by the public carriage licence relating to that carriage. (2) For the purpose of paragraph (1) ⎯ (a) a child in arms shall not be counted as a passenger; and (b) any two children below the age of twelve years (not being children in arms) shall be counted as one passenger. (3) Carriage horses shall not operate at a gait faster than a slow trot. Operators and drivers 12 (1) No carriage shall be operated, and no horse shall be used for a commercial purpose, by a person who is under the influence of any substance that may impair his ability to operate the vehicle or to control the horse. (2) Every operator or driver shall be in a position to recognise signs of ill health in a horse. Fire safety 13 (1) Premises on which horses are kept shall be constantly cleaned of combustible waste, dust and cobwebs, and trash shall be stored in approved non-combustible containers. CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 10 (2) Trash shall be removed frequently and no hay or straw shall be stored in aisles or exit ways. (3) Flammable or combustible liquids shall not be permitted in the barn or stable; they shall be stored in approved flammable liquid cabinets or a flammable storage shed on the exterior of a stable or barn. (4) Conspicuous signs, with red lettering, at least two inches in height, on a white background or white lettering on a red background, reading, "NO SMOKING", shall be displayed in and about the barns and storage areas containing flammable materials. (5) Electrical wiring and equipment in a barn or stable shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the National Fire Code Number 70 and the National Electrical Code. (6) All electrical appliances used in barns or stables shall be listed; multiple outlet adaptors shall not be used in barns or stables; there shall not be more than one continuous extension cord (listed for hard service, properly sized for application and not supported by nails, screws, metal hooks or pipes) to connect one appliance to a fixed receptacle. (7) Portable fire extinguishers approved by the Bermuda Fire Service shall be hung on walls near the exits of barns; the type and number of fire extinguishers required shall be determined by the Bermuda Fire Service. (8) Every barn and stable shall have an approved fire detection and alarm system specified by the Bermuda Fire Service. (9) Only portable heaters that automatically interrupt electrical current to the heating element approved by the Bermuda Fire Service shall be permitted in barns and stables; the use of heating appliances with exposed elements shall not be permitted in barns and stables. (10) An officer of the Department or of a recognised society may seek the assistance of an officer of the Bermuda Fire Service in evaluating any issue of fire safety. Transport of horses 14 (1) The person in charge of a vehicle transporting a horse shall ensure that the horse being conveyed is provided with reasonably comfortable and secure accommodation. (2) Any horse being transported shall be suitably restrained to keep it secure and safe. (3) A trailer shall be used to transport a horse; such trailers shall be strong enough to support the horse, withstand kicking and general handling, provide adequate ventilation and light, be free of CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 11 potential hazards, have a non-slip floor and have surfaces that can be easily cleaned. Licensing of commercial horse stables 15 (1) No person shall keep a commercial horse stable except under the authority of a licence granted by the Government Veterinary Officer in accordance with these Regulations. (2) The Government Veterinary Officer may, on application being made to him for that purpose, and on payment of such fee as may be prescribed under the Government Fees Act 1965 (title 15 item 18) grant to the applicant a licence to keep a commercial horse stable at such premises as may be specified in the application and subject to compliance with such conditions as may be specified in the licence. (3) In determining whether to grant a licence for the keeping of a commercial horse stable by any person at any premises the Government Veterinary Officer shall have regard to — (a) the suitability of the applicant based on past records of the applicant in possession of the Department; (b) the qualification of the applicant either by experience in the management of horses or by employment in the management of a commercial horse stable; and (c) the need for securing — (i) that paramount consideration will be given to the condition of horses and that they will be maintained in good health, and in all respects be physically fit and that, a horse will be suitable for the purpose for which it is kept; (ii) that the feet of all horses will be properly trimmed and that, if shod, their shoes will be properly fitted and in good condition; (iii) that there will be available at all times, accommodation for every horse, suitable in respect of construction, size, number of occupants, lighting, ventilation, drainage and cleanliness; (iv) that in the case of horses kept out-doors there will be available for them at all times during which they are so kept adequate shelter and water and that supplementary feeds will be provided as and when required; (v) that the horses will be adequately supplied with suitable food, drink and (except in the case of CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 12 horses kept out-doors, so long as they are so kept) bedding material, and that the horses will be adequately exercised, groomed and rested and visited at least twice daily; (vi) that all reasonable precautions will be taken to prevent and control the spread among horses of infectious or contagious diseases and that veterinary first aid equipment and medicines shall be provided and maintained on the premises; (vii) that appropriate steps exist for the protection and extrication of horses in case of fire or any emergency and in particular, that regulation 4(11) has been complied with; (viii) that adequate accommodation is provided for forage, bedding, stable equipment and saddlers. (4) The Government Veterinary Officer shall specify the conditions prescribed in paragraph (3) and any other conditions as appear to him to be necessary or expedient in any particular case, for securing the objects prescribed in paragraph (3), in the licence. (5) Notwithstanding paragraphs (3) and (4), every licence granted under these Regulations shall be subject to the following conditions (whether they are specified in the licence or not) — (a) a horse found on inspection by an officer of the Department or a recognised society to be in need of veterinary attention shall not be made to work until the holder of the licence has satisfied the Director by means of a veterinary certificate issued by a veterinary practitioner appointed by the Director that the horse is fit for work; (b) no horse shall be let out on hire for riding, used for pro viding instruction in riding, used for work or any other purpose without supervision by a responsible person of the age of eighteen years or over, unless (in the case of a horse let out for hire for riding) the holder of the licence is satisfied that the hirer of the horse is competent to ride without supervision; (c) the carrying on of the business of a commercial horse stable shall at no time be left in the charge of any person under eighteen years of age; (d) the licence holder shall hold a current insurance policy which insures him against liability for any injury CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 13 sustained by those who hire a horse from him and those who use a horse in the course of receiving from him, in return for payment, instruction in riding and arising out of the hire or use of a horse as aforesaid and which also insures such persons in respect of any liability which may be incurred by them in respect of injury to any person caused by, or arising out of, the hire or use of a horse as aforesaid; (e) a register of all horses in the possession of the licence holder shall be kept on the premises where the horses are kept by the licence holder and shall be available for inspection by an officer of the Department at all reasonable times; (f) the licence holder shall notify the Director in writing of any purchase, sale, transfer or death of a horse; (g) the Chief Fire Officer of Bermuda Fire Service has issued a certificate not more than one month prior to the date of the issue of the licence, certifying that the premises or facility complies with regulations 13 and 15(3)(c)(vii); and (h) the premises, facilities, horses and business operations comply with every requirement under these regulations. (6) Any person aggrieved by the refusal of the Government Veterinary Officer to grant a licence under paragraph (2), or by any condition subject to which such a licence is proposed to be granted, may appeal to a magistrates' court; and the court may on such an appeal give such directions with respect to the issue of a licence or, as the case may be, with respect to the conditions subject to which a licence is granted as it thinks proper. (7) A licence under this regulation shall come into force on the date specified in the licence and shall remain in force until the expiration of one year from the date or such shorter period as may be specified in the licence, and may be renewed from time to time. (8) Notwithstanding paragraph (7), before approving the renewal of a licence the Government Veterinary Officer shall cause an inspection of the premises to which the licence relates, to be carried out by an officer of the Department to ensure that ⎯ (a) the premises, facilities and business operations comply with every requirement under these regulations; and (b) the Chief Fire Officer of Bermuda Fire Service has issued a certificate not more than one month prior to the date of the renewal of the licence certifying that the premises CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 14 and facilities are in compliance with regulations 13 and 15(3)(c)(vii). Suspension or revocation of licence 16 The Government Veterinary Officer may, after giving the holder of a licence an opportunity to be heard, suspend or revoke a licence where — (a) the holder of the licence is convicted of an offence under these Regulations; (b) the holder of the licence is in breach of a condition in the licence; or (c) in the opinion of the Government Veterinary Officer, to do so is in the public interest. Offences 17 (1) If any person — (a) at a time when a horse is in such a condition that its use for work is likely to cause suffering to the horse, lets out the horse for work, uses it for work or uses it for the purpose of providing, in return for payment, instruction in riding or for the purpose of demonstrating riding; (b) supplies for a horse, equipment which is used and the equipment, at the time when it is supplied, has a defect of such a nature as to be apparent on inspection and as to be likely to cause suffering to the horse or an accident to the rider or driver; (c) fails to provide such curative care as may be suitable, if any, for a sick or injured horse which is kept by him with a view to its being let out for work or used for a purpose mentioned in sub-paragraph (a); (d) with intent to avoid inspection under these Regulations, conceals, or causes to be concealed, any horse maintained by the commercial horse stable; or (e) conceals any document required under these Regulations, he commits an offence against these Regulations. (2) Any person who contravenes regulation 15(1) commits an offence; and if any condition subject to which a licence is granted in accordance with these Regulations is contravened, the person to whom the licence was granted commits an offence. CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 15 (3) A person who for the purpose of obtaining a licence under these Regulations, gives any information which is false in a material particular or makes a statement which is false, commits an offence against these Regulations. Penalties 18 A person who commits an offence against these Regulations is liable — (a) on summary conviction to a fine of $500.00 for a first offence; (b) on summary conviction to imprisonment for three months or a fine of $1,000.00 for a second or subsequent offence; (c) on summary conviction where the offence is a continuing one to a fine of $100.00 for each day during which the refusal or failure to comply continues. Revocation 19 The Care and Protection of Animals (Commercial Horse Stables) Regulations 1984 are revoked. SCHEDULE (Regulations 7 & 8) Body Condition Scoring of Horses Technique Through visual inspection and digital palpation, the assessor shall evaluate the deposition of fat over each of the following areas of the horse's body: A. Dorsal region of the neck B. Withers C. Topline of the lumbar dorsum D. Tailhead E. Ribs F. Area directly behind the elbow G. Shoulder H. Points of hips (Tuber coxae) I. Points of buttock (Tuber ischia) CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 16 Thereafter, the assessor shall give a composite score of the overall condition of the body as a whole, based upon his findings on evaluation of the individual body areas. [NB Drawing of horse omitted by virtue of s.4(6) of the Computerization and Revision of Laws Act 1989] Body Condition Score 1 Emaciated The bony structures of the neck, shoulders and withers are easily noticeable. The spinous processes, ribs, topline, points of the hips and the points of buttock all project prominently, with an obvious ridge down the back. Individual vertebrae may be identifiable. There is significant space between inner thighs, as viewed from the rear of the animal. The animal is extremely emaciated; no fatty tissue can be felt. 2 Very Thin The bony structures of the neck, shoulders and withers are faintly discernible. The spinous processes, ribs, topline, points of the hips and points of the buttock are prominent. There is a noticeable space between inner thighs. The animal is emaciated. 3 Thin The neck, withers and shoulders are accentuated but not obviously thin. The tailhead is prominent. There is slight fat cover over the ribs, which are still easily discernible. The spinous processes, points of the hips and points of buttock are rounded but easily discernible. The area between the inner thighs is filled in, but without noticeable deposition of fatty tissue. 4 Moderately Thin The neck, withers and shoulders are not obviously thin. The ribs are faintly discernible. The points of the hips and the points of the buttocks are not visually discernible. Fat can be felt around the tailhead, prominence somewhat dependent upon conformation. There is a slight negative crease (a ridge) along the topline, especially over the loins and hindquarters. 5 Moderate The neck, withers and shoulders appear rounded and blend smoothly into the body. The ribs cannot be seen but are easily felt. The back is level with neither a ridge nor a gully along the topline. The fat around the tailhead is beginning to feel spongy. There is a slight amount of discernible fat deposited between inner thighs. 6 Moderately Fleshy CARE AND PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (COMMERCIAL HORSE STABLES) (LICENSING) REGULATIONS 2005 17 Fat beginning to be deposited along the neck, withers and shoulders. Fat over the ribs beginning to feel spongy, and the ribs cannot easily be felt. Fat around tailhead feels soft. There may be a slight positive crease (i.e. a gully) along the topline. There is a noticeable fat deposition between inner thighs. 7 Fleshy Fat is deposited along the neck and withers and behind the shoulder. Individual ribs can be felt, but with noticeable filling between ribs. There may be a slight positive crease (i.e. a gully) along the back. The fat around the tailhead feels soft. 8 Fat There is noticeable thickening of the neck. The area along withers is filled with fat, and the area behind the shoulder is filled in flush with body. The ribs cannot be felt. There is a noticeable positive crease along the back. The fat tailhead is very soft. There is significant fat deposited along inner thighs. 9 Extremely Fat There is bulging fat along the neck, shoulders and withers. The flank is filled in flush. Patchy fat may be appearing over the ribs, and there is an obvious positive crease along the back. There is obvious fat deposited along inner thighs. Made this 28th day of June, 2005 Minister of the Environment