Appleby Horse Fair – Why Aren't Animal Welfare Charities and Police Doing Enough to Stop the Cruelty?

The Appleby Horse Fair, a centuries-old event celebrating equestrian culture, has long been a staple in the Gypsy and Traveller community. However, recent incidents have cast a dark shadow over this tradition, sparking a heated debate about its future. The tragic events of 2024, marked by severe animal cruelty, injuries, and deaths, compel us to question why animal welfare charities and the police are not doing enough to stop the cruelty.

This year, the Fair was marred by the inexcusable death of a three-year-old skewbald trotter. This young stallion was "worked to death," collapsing from exhaustion at Jubilee Bridge. The horse was found with a dangerously high temperature and covered in sores, a clear indication of prolonged and severe mistreatment. The RSPCA has labelled this incident as a gross act of cruelty, appealing for public assistance to identify those responsible and prevent such tragedies in the future​ (Home page)​​ (Yahoo News)​.

Despite the presence of numerous animal welfare organisations, including the RSPCA, Redwings, and World Horse Welfare, which attend the fair each year, the incidents of cruelty continue unabated. This year alone, there were multiple reports of horses being overworked and suffering injuries. These organisations deploy experienced teams, including vets and enforcement officers, yet the abuses persist. This raises significant concerns about the effectiveness of their interventions and the enforcement of animal welfare laws​ (Express.co.uk)​​ (Just Horse Riders)​.

Statistics from the 2024 Fair reveal a worrying trend. Reports indicate that at least five horses suffered severe injuries, including fractures and severe lacerations, as a direct result of neglect and overwork. In addition, there were several instances of dehydration and heat exhaustion among the horses, which point to a systemic failure in ensuring the animals' well-being​ (Yahoo News)​.

The RSPCA reported making 438 interventions this year, a substantial increase from previous years. This figure includes cases where animals were seized due to mistreatment, as well as instances requiring immediate veterinary care. Despite these efforts, the recurrence of such high numbers of interventions suggests a deep-rooted problem that is not being adequately addressed. Several other animals, including dogs and smaller pets, were also taken into the care of the RSPCA, further highlighting the broad scope of the welfare issues at the fair​ (Yahoo News)​​.

The police's role in preventing animal cruelty at the fair has also come under scrutiny. Despite the large police presence, tasked with maintaining order and ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations, the enforcement seems to fall short. In the case of the stallion that died, there was a delay in intervention despite visible signs of distress. This has led to criticism regarding the responsiveness and effectiveness of the police in addressing animal welfare concerns during the fair​ (Yahoo News)​.

Critics argue that the Appleby Horse Fair, as it stands, is a breeding ground for animal cruelty. The lack of stringent regulations and enforcement allows for these abuses to continue unchecked. Despite the presence of welfare organisations and law enforcement, there appears to be a significant gap between policy and practice. This gap results in recurring incidents of cruelty, highlighting the need for a more robust and proactive approach.

Proponents of the fair claim it is an essential cultural event, offering an opportunity to celebrate and showcase traditional horsemanship. They argue that with better management and more robust welfare measures, the fair can continue without compromising animal welfare. However, this perspective is increasingly difficult to defend in light of the ongoing incidents of cruelty​.

The events of 2024 have starkly illustrated the urgent need for change. Animal welfare charities and the police must reassess their strategies and enforcement mechanisms. Stronger regulations, more proactive interventions, and increased accountability are essential to prevent further suffering.

Appleby Horse Fair stands at a crossroads. The choice is not merely between preservation and cancellation but also involves addressing the systemic failures in protecting animal welfare. The fair's future depends on our collective response to these pressing ethical concerns and ensuring that animal welfare is genuinely prioritized.