Legislation Checklist: Equestrian and other animal based business

Equestrian and other animal-related businesses must comply with the following legislation. This is not an exhaustive list, and legal advice should always be taken before making any business decisions.

• The Animal Welfare Act 2006 and equivalent laws in Scotland and Northern Ireland place a duty on anyone in charge of an animal to ensure that it has a suitable environment and diet and is protected from unnecessary pain, suffering and injury.
• The Riding Establishments Act 1964 and equivalent legislation in Northern Ireland require all businesses that hire out horses or ponies for riding or instruction to be licensed.
• The Horse Passports (England) Regulations 2004 and equivalent laws in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland require owners of horses to ensure that each of their horses has a valid equine passport, which must accompany it whenever it is transported.

See also: Keeping your equestrian business legal

• The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 and the Animal Welfare (Northern Ireland) Act 1972 require businesses that provide animal boarding services to hold an animal boarding establishment licence.
• The Control of Dogs Order 1992 makes it an offence to be in charge of a dog in a public space that is not wearing a collar bearing its owner's name and address.
• The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 make it an offence to be in charge of a dog that is dangerously out of control in any place, including on private property such as at an animal boarding establishment.
• The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 and the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 make it an offence to be in charge of a dog that attacks or worries livestock on agricultural land.