A survey of welfare problems associated with transporting horses by road in Germany (2022–2024)

Abstract

Equine road transport is stressful and associated with an increased risk of behavioral problems, injuries, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. This cross-sectional survey-based study aimed to describe transport-related practices and the perception of behavioral and health issues in Germany. The survey targeted horse owners (amateurs and professionals) and obtained demographic details, the participant's experience, frequency and duration of transportation, and behavioral and health problems related to equine transportation. Associations among behavioral and health problems and transport parameters were examined with logistic regression analysis. In total, 432 horse owners participated, but only 59.7 % (258 respondents) completed the questionnaire. Most journeys (72.5 %) were < 2 h in duration and 45.8 % fed hay in transit. One-third of respondents observed behavioral and 42.6 % reported health problems. Diarrhea was most common (33.9 %), followed by injuries (19.3 %), muscle disorders (4 %), respiratory problems, and colic (each 2.4 %). Professionals were less likely to observe diarrhea in transported horses than amateurs (OR 1.04). In single transportation, horses were significantly more likely to show behavioral problems than when transported together (OR 0.53, CI 0.35–0.76, P = 0.001). In conclusion, most of the journeys in Germany were short (<2 h). A high rate of behavioral problems was reported, whereas health issues were considerably less frequently observed. This may be associated with management practices, implementation of safety equipment, shorter travel distances, and favorable climatic conditions in comparison to other studies.