Equine Practices Equipped to Assist the Emergency Services at Equine Rescues

Safer Horse Rescues (formerly the Emergency Services Protocol) is an equine rescue initiative, launched by the equine industry, most notably, Horse & Hound magazine, the British Horse Society (BHS) and BEVA, in close partnership with the animal rescue specialists at Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The Protocol sets out procedures for the emergency services when dealing with incidents involving horses, with the aim of minimising delays in injured animals receiving veterinary care, maximising the chances of a positive outcome for the animal and improving the safety of all those involved.

BEVA has compiled a Directory of Equine vets, drawn from its membership, that have agreed to assist the emergency services at rescues. This is to ensure that appropriate veterinary care reaches animals as quickly as possible. However, as it is not uncommon for vets attending this type of incident to remain unpaid if the owner of the animal is never traced, BEVA has established the Equine Rescue Fund to cover these costs. The fund guarantees that no time is lost in the treatment, or euthanasia, of an injured horse whilst owners were traced.

The latest version of the Directory of SHR Equine Veterinary Practices can be downloaded here.