In January, the public comment period for the National Farm Animal Care Council’s Draft 2025 Equine Code of Practice opened. The code was reviewed and updated by the Code Committee, which comprises representatives of stakeholders, including government, industry, and animal advocacy organizations. However, there are still welfare issues that have not been addressed and would benefit from additional public comment before the final draft is released. While we particularly welcome insights on the areas identified below, we will encourage comments on any other sections that experts or interested parties find relevant. 

The public comment period is the final opportunity for experts and the public to influence the Equine Code before it is finalized for the next decade. By providing feedback through the NFACC survey, experts and the public help identify gaps and highlight ethical considerations that ensure the Code is robust and clear. To be most effective, we encourage submissions that strengthen and clarify the Code, making requirements measurable and practical for all stakeholders, including animal protection officers.

These are the areas we have identified as priorities:

- Husbandry Section 7.1 – Confinement & Turnout

- Husbandry Section 7.3 – Methods of Identification

- Reproductive Management Section 9.5.4 – Weaning

- Loose Horse Management Section 6.5 – Pen Condition and Shelter

The current Code draft is available here, and the scientific committee report on pain recognition, castration, training and learning theory, and young horse development is available here. When ready, submit comments; experts can use this link

The Public Comment Period closes on March 12.