National Pet Day 2025: Companion Animals NZ calls for a stronger commitment to pet welfare

Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) is calling on pet lovers across the country to take a stand for animal welfare this National Pet Day, Friday 11 April 2025 and the weeks following. With companion animals playing an essential role in the lives of many New Zealanders, CANZ is launching a nationwide pledge campaign to ensure pet welfare remains a priority in political and public discourse. 

As a national charity for companion animals, CANZ will use this campaign to raise awareness, encourage responsible pet ownership, and urge policymakers to address critical issues affecting pets and their guardians. The pledge invites individuals to show their commitment to animal welfare and support CANZ’s advocacy for policies that ensure pets receive the care, protection, and positive experiences they deserve. 

A commitment to Companion Animal Welfare 

The pledge focuses on key areas essential to ensuring a 'Good Life' for pets in Aotearoa, including calling on the Government to look at: 

• National frameworks: Develop and maintain world-leading companion animal policies, codes of welfare and regulations that position New Zealand as a recognised global leader in companion animal welfare 

• Pets in rentals: Implement rental housing protections for pet owners, recognising the importance of the pet-human bond  

• Pets in emergencies: Ensure well-resourced emergency management plans include provisions to evacuate, rescue, shelter and reunite companion animals

• Microchipping mandates: Implement and enforce comprehensive microchipping requirements for all companion animals supported by accessible national databases 

• Shelter support: Establish a NZ Animal Shelter database for local animal shelters and rescue organisations to provide accurate unowned pet population information 

• Desexing access: Establish free or low-cost spay/neuter programmes to help reduce the unowned pet population.  

“Pets are vital members of our communities, and we need to ensure their needs are considered in national and local policies,” says Prof. Nat Waran, Director of ‘A Good Life for Animals’ Centre at CANZ. “We know 63% of New Zealand homes have a pet and there is so much more we can do to improve their welfare through national oversight while also making pet ownership more accessible and supported. Clear policies and better resources can help ensure pets receive the care they deserve while allowing more people to experience the benefits of responsible pet ownership. By signing this pledge, New Zealanders can send a powerful message to decision-makers that companion animal welfare must remain on the agenda.” 

In addition to the pledge, CANZ will submit a letter to the Government outlining the key priorities for pet welfare, along with the total number of digital signatures collected. This initiative builds on CANZ’s longstanding commitment to research, education, and advocacy, as well as its operation of the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR), the country’s leading microchip database. 

“We encourage every pet guardian and advocate to take action by signing the pledge,” adds Professor Waran. “Together, we can drive meaningful change and ensure a better future for all companion animals in New Zealand.” 

For more information and to sign the pledge, visit: National Pet Day Pledge — Companion Animals New Zealand  

---

Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) is an independent, science-based charity committed to ensuring all companion animals live a 'Good Life' with responsible guardians. We use research, education and community programmes to achieve this. We also operate the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR), the country's largest microchip database with more than 1.4 million pets registered. Our Board comprises independent trustees and representatives from a range of animal welfare groups, including SPCA, New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), Dogs NZ, New Zealand. Cat Fancy, the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA) and the New Zealand Institute of Animal Management (NZIAM).    

Ways to invest in your horse’s welfare in 2025: Being a good horse guardian

Horses are deeply valued in New Zealand, with around 106,000 companion horses in the country (CANZ 2025 Pet Data Report). About 3.4% of households now own a horse or pony, reflecting their importance for recreation and as leisure companions for Kiwis.  

But what does it mean to be a responsible horse owner? We often think of the time spent feeding, grooming, and riding our horses as time well spent with them, but do we always consider their emotional wellbeing and question if their experience is as good for them as it is for us?   

A truly responsible guardian takes the time to understand their horse’s body language and emotional needs, investing in their overall happiness and good welfare.   

In 2025, why not make this the year you enhance your understanding of your horse’s behaviour and emotional needs so that you can truly listen to the signals your horse is sending? By establishing a solid foundation for your horse’s mental and physical health, you can strengthen the bond you share and ensure their ongoing wellbeing.  

The welfare angle 

Horse welfare is about more than just providing adequate food and shelter. The framework provided through use of the Five Domains — good nutrition, environment, good health, behavioural interactions, and a positive mental state—provides a holistic approach for assessing and improving a horse’s quality of life.   

By addressing both their physical and psychological needs, the Five Domains Framework ensures that horses can thrive in a balanced and compassionate environment ¹. 

In addition to understanding welfare, it’s important to consider how horses learn. Training based on positive reinforcement and reading their body language can improve communication and build trust between horses and humans²).  

So, why does all of this matter? Knowledge of horse welfare and behaviour is crucial for enhancing the quality of care you provide. By learning how to interpret your horse’s body language, you can reduce stress for both you and your horse, prevent behavioural issues, have a happier horse and foster a harmonious relationship.  

The responsible horse guardian 

Being a responsible horse guardian involves a range of practices. Here at Companion Animals NZ we advocate broadly for microchipping and registration of horses on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR). This step ensures your horse is safely identifiable in case of emergencies or if they’re lost or stolen. Modern microchips even provide additional benefits, such as tracking body temperature changes, allowing for better monitoring of your horse’s health.  

Registering your horse with NZCAR ensures their microchip details are securely stored in a national database, linking their permanent ID to your contact information. Should you and your horse become separated, this system significantly increases the chances of a safe and speedy reunion.   

For more info, check out https://www.animalregister.co.nz/  

Health 

Routine health care, including regular trims or shoeings, checks for lameness, and annual veterinary visits for vaccinations, dental work, and parasite prevention, all contribute to your horse’s wellbeing and performance. Preventive care helps reduce the need for expensive emergency treatments, promoting your horse's long-term health and wellbeing. Not only is preventive care typically more affordable than emergency veterinary care, but it is also less stressful for both you and your horse.  

Insurance 

Many horse guardians may not think insurance is necessary, but the value of your horse is only part of the equation—treatment costs can be significant. Equine veterinary medicine has advanced greatly in the past two decades, with many conditions now treatable that would have once meant losing your horse. When faced with tough decisions about your horse's care, you may be surprised by both the choices available and the associated costs. Insurance can help alleviate the financial burden and provide peace of mind during stressful, unforeseen circumstances, e.g. colic surgeries can cost upwards of $15,000 depending on the size of the horse and the cause of the colic.   

Insurance options can differ, so it’s crucial to carefully select the right coverage for you and your horse. ‘Mortality insurance’ covers death due to illness or accident, but exclusions may apply, and euthanasia is typically covered only if no treatment options are viable. Be sure to check the fine print before committing.   

More comprehensive policies often include ‘veterinary costs’ coverage, which helps with the payments for diagnostics, treatments and surgeries. A prepurchase exam is usually required to insure your horse for veterinary costs. Coverage may depend on the horse's market value and may only cover part of the veterinary costs, so it’s important to review the policy carefully.  

‘Loss of Use’ cover compensates you if your horse can no longer perform due to injury or illness. A vet’s diagnosis and evidence of unsuccessful treatment are required for a claim, so having veterinary cost coverage alongside Loss of Use insurance is often a wise choice. By understanding the details of each type of coverage, you can make an informed decision that ensures both you and your horse are well-protected in the event of the unexpected.  

Building a strong human-horse relationship 

Building a strong connection with your horse is crucial for both their mental health and training. Consistent interaction fosters trust and understanding, and simply spending time together through grooming and being present promotes more calmness and happiness in your horse.   

A study from 2020 found that horses seem to feel more relaxed when interacting with people they know, like during grooming on the right side, compared to when the same task is performed by someone they don't recognise. The horses showed signs of reduced stress, which was shown by a shift in their heart rate and nervous system response. This suggests that not only does the familiarity of the person matter, but the type of interaction—like grooming—also helps the horse feel more at ease. These findings show that horses can recognise familiar people and that having a known handler is very important for positive human-animal interactions³. 

Commit to your horse’s welfare in 2025 

Being a responsible horse guardian involves looking after your horse, but also understanding your horse's emotional well-being and fostering a strong connection with him.   

By addressing both your horse’s physical and psychological needs, such as proper health care and insurance cover, positive training experiences and quality time spent with a familiar handler, you can ensure a happy, healthy, and well-rounded horse.   

Strengthening your bond through regular, meaningful interaction will lead to improved communication, reduced stress, and a more harmonious relationship with your horse.  

Let 2025 be the year you truly commit to understanding and nurturing your horse’s wellbeing. As the renowned zoologist Dr. Jane Goodall once said, “The least I can do is speak out….for those who cannot speak for themselves.”   

Let’s embrace this message and secure a ‘Good Life’ for NZ horses in the years to come.  

EQuiChip® is a community event supported by Companion Animals NZ aimed at improving the welfare of horses in New Zealand through positive identification linked to the horse guardian. It offers microchipping and registration on the NZ Companion Animal Register and can be easily organised within local riding communities. Organising an event takes just a little initiative by a group of people, and it's a simple way to ensure horses are properly identified for their safety and well-being. For more information or support to arrange an event in your area, contact welfare@companionanimals.nz. 

---

References

1. CANZ, 2025: Companion Animals NZ 2024 NZ Pet Data Report. Available from: Mellor, D.J. (2017). Operational Details of the Five Domains Model and Its Key Applications to the Assessment and Management of Animal Welfare . Animals 2017, 7, 60; doi:10.3390/ani7080060 . World Horse Welfare. (n.d.). The 5 Domains of Animal Welfare. World Horse Welfare. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/the-5-domains-of-animal-welfare 

2. Sankey, C., Richard-Yris, MA., Henry, S. et al. Reinforcement as a mediator of the perception of humans by horses (Equus caballus). Anim Cogn 13, 753–764 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-010-0326-9 

3. Scopa, C., Greco, A., Contalbrigo, L., Fratini, E., Lanatà, A., Scilingo, E. P., & Baragli, P. (2020). Inside the interaction: Contact with familiar humans modulates heart rate variability in horses. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 582759. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.582759 

Let sleeping pets lie: Why a good sleep matters

Sleep is just as important for our animal companions as it is for us. While most pet owners focus on diet, exercise, and regular vet check-ups, sleep often gets overlooked as a crucial aspect of animal welfare. Understanding your pet's sleep needs is essential for providing them with the best care possible. 

How different pets sleep: Species-specific patterns

Dogs: The polyphasic nappers

Dogs are "polyphasic sleepers" – they take multiple naps throughout the day rather than one long sleep. Most dogs need about 12-14 hours of sleep daily, though this varies with age, breed, and activity level. Puppies and senior dogs typically require more rest. 

A dog's activity levels, routine changes, social interactions, and emotional experiences all affect sleep quality. Unlike humans who spend about 25% of sleep in REM (dream) sleep, dogs only spend about 10% in this restorative phase, making quality sleep time crucial for their wellbeing.

Cats: The professional sleepers

If you've ever envied your cat's ability to nap anywhere, anytime, there's good reason! Cats sleep between 12-16 hours daily, with some sleeping up to 20 hours. They're most active at dawn and dusk, explaining those early morning wake-up calls. 

Cats need safe, comfortable sleeping spots – preferably with options at different heights, as many cats feel more secure when elevated. Multiple sleeping locations throughout your home will help your feline friend get the rest they need. 

Horses: Standing sleepers

Horses have fascinating sleep patterns reflecting their evolution as prey animals. They need only 5-7 hours of rest consisting of 2-3 hours of total sleep daily and can sleep standing up thanks to a special "stay apparatus" in their legs. 

However, horses must lie down to achieve REM (deep) sleep, which typically only accounts for about 30 minutes of their daily rest. Without this crucial REM sleep, horses can develop serious welfare issues, including sudden episodes of collapse. Sleep deprivation risks increase when horses travel long distances or stay overnight at events without proper rest opportunities.

Rabbits: Eyes-open snoozers

As prey animals, rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they're most active during dawn and dusk, typically sleeping during midday and deep night. Unlike most pets, rabbits can sleep with their eyes open – an evolutionary adaptation that helps them stay alert to danger. They'll only close their eyes when feeling completely safe. 

Rabbits sleep 6-8 hours daily in many short naps rather than one continuous period. They also enter a "dozing" state where they rest while remaining somewhat alert. During true sleep, a rabbit's nose stops twitching – a rare sight indicating deep relaxation. 

Why quality of sleep matters for pet health

Good sleep isn't just about preventing grumpiness – it's essential for: 

• Physical health: Sleep is when the body repairs itself and grows 

• Immune function: Well-rested pets can fight illness better 

• Brain health: Sleep helps animals process new information and skills 

• Emotional wellbeing: Sleep-deprived pets tend to be more anxious or irritable 

• Pain management: Poor sleep can increase sensitivity to pain 

• Safety: Sleep deprivation can lead to problematic behaviours that can be unsafe for humans and other animals

Warning signs: Is your pet sleeping poorly?

Dogs and cats: 

• Increased irritability or unusual aggression 

• Seeming disoriented or confused 

• Excessive daytime sleepiness 

• Increased vocalisation at night 

• Changes in appetite 

Horses: 

• Dropping to their knees momentarily 

• Unexplained injuries that might have occurred during collapse 

• Excessive daytime drowsiness 

• Reluctance to lie down 

Rabbits: 

• Decreased activity or lethargy 

• Teeth grinding (different from gentle purring) 

• Hunched posture 

• Changes in eating habits 

• Reduced grooming behavior 

• Increased hiding behavior 

Creating sleep-friendly environments for your pets

Dogs 

• Provide a quiet, comfortable bed away from household traffic 

• Maintain a consistent daily routine 

• Ensure adequate daytime exercise  

• Consider crate training if it helps your dog feel secure 

• Keep their sleeping area at an appropriate temperature 

Cats 

• Offer multiple sleeping spots, including some elevated options 

• Provide both hidden/enclosed beds and open sleeping areas 

• Keep their sleeping areas away from litter boxes 

• Consider your cat's preference for soft vs. firm sleeping surfaces 

• Respect your cat's natural activity patterns rather than trying to force them into human schedules 

Horses 

• If stabled, ensure there is enough space to allow the horse to lie down safely and provide comfortable bedding or mats that encourage lying down 

• Maintain stable social groups when possible 

• Consider 24-hour turnout if suitable for your horse 

• Schedule human activities to avoid disrupting rest periods 

• Monitor for signs of sleep deprivation regularly 

Rabbits 

• Provide a quiet, draft-free sleeping area 

• Include hiding spaces like tunnels or covered areas where they can feel secure 

• Use soft bedding that supports their delicate feet (avoid wire-bottom cages) 

• Respect their crepuscular nature by avoiding disturbances during their main sleep periods 

• Ensure they have a companion if possible, as rabbits are social animals that feel safer with a buddy 

• Keep sleeping areas clean, as rabbits are naturally tidy animals

When to seek veterinary help 

If you notice persistent changes in your pet's sleep patterns or any warning signs mentioned above, consult your veterinarian. Sleep problems can indicate underlying health issues like arthritis, respiratory problems, or anxiety that require treatment.

The Companion Animals approach to quality pet sleep

Sleep is not a luxury for our companion animals – it's an essential biological need that directly impacts their quality of life. By understanding and accommodating the unique sleep requirements of different pets, we can help ensure they lead happy, healthy lives. 

At Companion Animals New Zealand, we believe that responsible pet care extends beyond the basics of food and shelter to understanding all aspects of animal wellbeing – including the importance of quality sleep. By making small adjustments to your pet's environment and routine, and monitoring their behaviour, you can help them get the rest they need to thrive. 

---

Key References 

1. Zanghi, B.M. (2010). Importance of sleep: Performance, cognition and canine models of ageing. Nestlé Purina Companion Animal Nutrition Summit, 18-25.  

2. Kinsman, R., Owczarczak-Garstecka, S., Casey, R., Knowles, T., Tasker, S., Woodward, J., Da Costa, R., & Murray, J. (2020). Sleep Duration and Behaviours: A Descriptive Analysis of a Cohort of Dogs up to 12 Months of Age. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 10(7), 1172. 

3. Williams, D.C., Aleman, M., Holliday, T.A., Fletcher, D.J., Tharp, B., Kass, P.H., Steffey, E.P., & LeCouteur, R.A. (2008). Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the electroencephalogram in normal horses during spontaneous drowsiness and sleep. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 22(3), 630-638.  

4. Trocino, A., & Xiccato, G. (2006). Animal welfare in reared rabbits: A review with emphasis on housing systems. World Rabbit Science, 14(2), 77-93. 

A Good life for all horses – national horse day

A Global Call for Positive Welfare for All Equids 

The newly published Good Welfare for Equids white paper sets a high bar for improving the welfare of horses, donkeys, and their hybrids (known collectively as ‘equids’). While primarily aimed at influencing European Union legislation, the framework offers insights and recommendations that resonate globally.  

The report underscores the importance of treating equids as sentient beings, capable of experiencing emotions like joy, contentment, and pain, and calls for ensuring their wellbeing regardless of their role—be it for sport, leisure, work, or companionship. 

The report emphasises that: 

• Equids have complex social, mental, and physical needs that must be met for them to thrive. 

• A good quality of life involves more than minimising stress or fear; it requires actively fostering positive experiences such as pleasure and contentment. 

• Good care, nutrition, social interaction, and ethical exercise not only benefit the animals but also strengthen the bond between equids and humans. 

To achieve this, the paper outlines the Five Provisions framework for equid welfare: 

1. Good nutrition 

1. A good physical environment 

1. Good health 

1. Positive social and behavioral interactions 

1. Positive mental experiences 

It also highlights the risks associated with various sectors where equids are involved, from production and sports to rescue and retirement, and advocates for robust identification and traceability systems to ensure their protection. 

Professor Nat Waran, one of the contributors to this report and Director of ‘A Good Life Center’ at Companion Animals NZ, emphasises the ethical responsibility to promote equid welfare, fostering positive outcomes for animals and the humans who depend on them. 

"Horses, donkeys, and mules are sentient beings who feel joy, fear, and pain, just as we do. This paper is a vital step toward recognising equids as sentient beings with unique physical, mental, and emotional needs, addressing the gaps and providing actionable recommendations to ensure equids live a "Good Life." By focusing on their quality of life, not just minimising harm, but fostering positive experiences, we can set a global standard for equid welfare that benefits both the animals and the people who both care for them and rely on them." - Professor Nat Waran 

This comprehensive framework challenges stakeholders worldwide to prioritise the welfare of equids, ensuring they live fulfilling lives. For more details, you can read the full white paper here: 

Horse welfare research in the spotlight

International research delving into horse welfare topics has been brought to New Zealand, as researchers from Companion Animals New Zealand collaborate with international institutions on hot topics such as the use of horses in sport and identifying horse emotions. 

Companion Animals New Zealand is committed to promoting a Good Life for Animals. We invest in research and behaviour change initiatives to improve understanding of animal emotions and share evidence-based knowledge with pet owners and those caring for animals. 

To achieve this, the charity carries out its own research, as well as collaborating with a number of international animal welfare research teams. 

Professor Nat Waran, Director for A Good Life for Animals Centre at Companion Animals NZ, is an internationally recognised animal behaviour and welfare scientist and her work towards improving equine welfare has been extensive. She says working with a global network of animal welfare scientists is vital because it fosters an interchange of diverse perspectives and international comparisons, helping us stay at the forefront of animal welfare advancements and knowledge here in New Zealand.  

“International research collaborations are important for assisting with Companion Animals NZ’s work because they allow us to tap into global expertise and cutting-edge knowledge. By working with world-leading researchers, we can bring valuable insights back to New Zealand and apply them through a local lens, ultimately improving the welfare of our animals here at home.”

— Professor Nat Waran

Horses in sport 

Companion Animal’s New Zealand’s collaboration on equine welfare research projects involves researchers from various countries including; Sweden, UK, Denmark, Brazil and Australia. One of these is a study considering public opinion regarding the use of horses in sport.  It asks about what equestrian events people have watched and/or attended.

It’s being conducted by Pamela Spisak, a MSc Equine Science student at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh.  Pamela is co-supervised Professor Nat Waran, (the A Good Life for Animals Director for Companion Animals New NZ). Information from the work will help add to our understanding of the current level of interest and opinions regarding horse use in sport, of both the general public and those involved in the horse world. CANZ looks forward to reporting on the results once the student has completed the work. 

 This survey is open until 1 November: Public Opinion of Equestrian Sport (jisc.ac.uk)  

 Horse emotions 

Another international equine welfare study we are involved in aims to improve owner knowledge about how horses express emotions. An international animal welfare science team, including Prof Nat Waran, is exploring how horses express their emotions in ANTICIPATION of different handling situations. Reseachers are interested in if they see these events as positive or negative, how intense their feelings are (calm, excited, or somewhere in between), and the various behaviours/facialand body movements horses exhibit to express their emotional state.  

  Participants are asked to spend 25 minutes watching some short video clips and providing their insights. These videos feature horses trained to anticipate four specific human interactions, each designed to evoke different emotional responses. 

 This survey is open until 10 November: https://www.slu.se/globalassets/ew/horses-emotions.html   

 More to come 

Equine welfare studies such as these are crucial because they help capture public and equestrian opinions, attitudes, and experiences, providing valuable insights into how various parts of society view the way horses are managed in different environments and used for different purposes. The results gained from our international equine welfare work will help inform welfare standards, influence policy decisions, and guide best practices to ensure that horses are cared for in ways that prioritise their health, happiness, and wellbeing, with the aim of providing a Good Life for all equids wherever they may live.  

Charity to hold national events to safeguard New Zealand’s horse population

EQuiChip® is a community event involving microchipping and registering horses on a national database, helping protect equine welfare in New Zealand through positive identification.  

Founded by Companion Animals New Zealand in 2023 following the catastrophic events of Cyclone Gabrielle, EQuiChip® was first held in the Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa communities with more than 200 horses microchipped and registered.  Last year's weather events saw a heightened awareness of the need to identify all companion animals – including horses – and take proactive measures in preparing for unforeseen circumstances such as national disasters, biosecurity threats, or theft.  

Six EQuiChip® events will be held this year between May and November in Taupō, Cambridge, North Auckland, West Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch – with the first in Taupō on 26 May. The 2024 series aims to microchip and register between 400 and 500 horses.  

Professor Nat Waran, Director at Companion Animals New Zealand, says the return for a second year of events marks a pivotal moment for horse welfare in New Zealand. 

“Microchipping is an inexpensive and permanent method for identifying animals and is common practice in New Zealand for cats and dogs,” says Professor Waran. “What we are keen to promote is that equine microchipping and registration is also essential for identifying and safeguarding New Zealand's horse population. We are seeing a greater recognition among horse owners, and equine industry bodies alike, of the need for permanent identification and traceability – for not only reuniting animals with their owners when lost, but also mitigating biosecurity risks and the aftereffects of national emergencies. This improves welfare outcomes for animals and their owners.

“The latest microchips can even measure a horse's temperature at the chip implantation site, offering a safe and quick alternative to traditional methods.” 

Events will occur primarily on Saturdays or Sundays and are managed by Companion Animals New Zealand in partnership with local veterinarians, equine organisations and volunteers. The cost for horse owners will be minimal compared to regular microchipping costs, encouraging as many horse owners to come along and ensure their animal is easily identifiable now and into the future.  

The process, akin to a routine vaccination, involves the insertion of a microchip the size of a grain of rice, into the horse's neck by a veterinary professional. The microchip number is then linked to the horse and owner details on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register. Approved Users (vets, SPCA, animal control officers etc.) carrying universal scanners can easily read the chips, aiding in swift identification and contact with the registered horse owners/guardian’s details associated with the horse – even in emergencies. Animals that are registered have been found to be three times more likely to be reunited with their owners.  

“While Companion Animals New Zealand facilitates the creation of the events, we are an animal welfare charity and we rely on generous sponsors, the local equine community and veterinary clinics to deliver them,” continues Professor Waran.  “EQuiChip® is a testament to collective efforts towards ensuring the well-being and safety of horses across New Zealand. We hope many more areas will opt to host their own event and reach out to us to be guided on how to do so!” 

For further information, event bookings, and queries about hosting an event, please visit www.companionanimals.nz.  

Video: Professor Nat Waran on her work with International Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission

At the recent International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) conference at Cambridge, New Zealand, in March 2024, Professor Nat Waran from Companion Animals New Zealand spoke about the work she led in developing a proposed welfare strategy with a new vision of a Good Life for Horses in Sport.

As Chair of the independent Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission set up in June 2022 by the FEI (the international governing body of equestrian sports), Nat led the 10-person Commission who were tasked with developing a final report with recommendations to safeguard equine welfare and the future involvement of horses in sport.

Watch her summary of this work in the following video.