Standards and Guidelines for the Health and Welfare of Horses in WA

Page last updated: Monday, 19 December 2022 - 4:50pm

Please note: This content may be out of date and is currently under review.

The Western Australian Government recognises the value of animal welfare to our community and strives to ensure all animals receive appropriate standards of care. As companions and working animals, horses have an important place in the lives of many Western Australians.

Standards and Guidelines for the Health and Welfare of Horses in Western Australia (WA Horse Standards and Guidelines) have been developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), in consultation with experts in horse husbandry, welfare and veterinary science.

The document sets out the minimum standards that owners and people responsible for horses must follow to ensure the health and welfare of horses kept in WA. It also provides recommended guidelines and additional information to further protect and promote the health and welfare of horses. All information in this document is based on current scientific knowledge and reflects recommended industry practice and community expectations.

Have your say

Consultation on the proposed Standards and Guidelines opened on 24 October 2022 and closed on 19 December 2022.

We welcomed the input of the WA community and organisations to improve the health and welfare of horses in our State.

Your feedback will help:

  • provide an understanding of community expectations regarding the care of horses and
  • identify how compliance with the standards may impact people, businesses and horses in WA.

To read the consultation draft, consultation paper, frequently asked questions, please go to DPIRD's YourSay online engagement site at:

https://yoursay.dpird.wa.gov.au/wa-horse-standards-and-guidelines

Submissions are now closed. 

Thank you to all who provided feedback.

The DPIRD team is currently reviewing responses and formulating a summary report.

Further information on reporting animal cruelty is available.