BVA statement on fatalities during Grand National Festival

We all have a responsibility to advocate good animal welfare in any area where animals are used for the benefit of people, including in sport. The veterinary profession’s clear role in this is outlined in BVA’s Animal Welfare strategy - ‘Vets speaking up for animal welfare’.

This responsibility involves continuously championing improvements to welfare standards that ensure all horses used in sport have a good life. Much has been done to improve equine welfare in sports such as racing, however, tragic events like those that occurred at Aintree show there is still much to do.

In line with this ongoing work, we’re hosting an important discussion session at this year’s BVA Live discussing the role vets play in the social licence of animals used in sport, and will also be considering how we can best address this issue as part of our future policy development work.

You can read more about BVA’s Animal Welfare strategy here.