The effect of benchmarking on management practices and equid welfare on Prince Edward Island, Canada

Abstract

There are challenges with assessing the welfare of equines due to their diverse uses and management practices. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the prevalence of animal-based welfare outcomes and compliance with Canada’s National Farm Animal Care Council Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines on equine farms in Prince Edward Island, Canada, and (2) determine the effect of benchmarking on compliance and awareness of the Code of Practice, as well as any changes in practices and animal-based welfare outcomes on these farms. Sixty farms were enrolled and were visited for an initial equine welfare assessment; all farms were then provided a benchmarking report that compared data collected from their equids to the other farms and the Code of Practice. Of these, 50 farms were re-visited the following year for a second assessment. The prevalence of animal-based outcomes in both years is presented descriptively, and differences between years were analyzed using paired t-tests and Chi-squared tests. On the second visit, 54% (n = 27) of farms showed more awareness of the Code of Practice and 48% (n = 24) of farms showed an improvement in at least one category of Code of Practice requirements. Of the animal-based measures, there was a significant reduction in the prevalence of unhealthy body condition score (−17.72, P < 0.001), integument lesions (−6.22, P = 0.020), and hoof abnormalities (−4.541, P = 0.026) from the first to the second visit. Although it is not clear if these changes occurred solely due to the benchmarking report, the results suggest that horse and donkey owners may be motivated to improve equid care and management using this approach. This study adds to the existing knowledge of equid welfare by providing a practical framework for the development of animal welfare assessments and the potential role of benchmarking in improving the welfare of horses and donkeys on Prince Edward Island and abroad.