TNAWB proposes ban on horse ownership for repeat offenders to curb abuse

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board (TNAWB) has proposed setting up a committee to ban horse ownership by repeat offenders responsible for avoidable horse deaths due to malnutrition and abuse. Before issuing a license, the report said, owners should be screened for adequate space and income.

TNAWB member Shruti Vinodh Raj, who prepared the report, said the board has been receiving complaints about the constant abuse of beach horses, especially on Marina and Besant Nagar beaches. The board has received 20 complaints of abuse of horses and has registered 10 horse deaths between October 2023 and May 2024. A total of 160 beach horses are registered in the city — 93 for rides and the rest for events like weddings and film shoots.

Shruti told TNIE that there have been cases of horses dying in large numbers with some owners, mainly due to lack of exercise, proper diet and water. “Since it may be a matter of livelihood for some, a committee can be constituted to ensure that repeat offenders are disqualified from owning horses. Others who have the means to own and take proper care of horses can be given licences,” she said.

The report mentioned that when purchasing a new horse, owners must provide identification, proof of income, vaccination and horse disease records signed by a veterinarian, and medical history, among other details.

As per the Madras Veterinary College report, from August to November 2023, 12 horses died in the emergency and intensive care unit and 21 horses required treatment.