Horse Buyers Beware
| Published: 2nd January 2007 12:08 |
Recent complaints investigated include horses that have been falsely misdescribed about their age and experience and ones with incorrect passports. More seriously it was alleged that one had even been drugged before the sale to make it appear calmer and more suitable for children and inexperienced riders.
The Trading Standards Service is recommending a number of steps that all potential buyers should take before buying:
• Never consider buying a horse unseen or unvetted
• Always take your own vet for a pre-sale inspection
• Ride the horse at least once before buying
• No matter how much knowledge you have always seek a second opinion
• Buy locally if possible
• Ask around about the seller/dealer’s history
• Look into the full history of the horse
• Ensure the horse has a valid passport that matches it and make sure you see this before agreeing to buy.
• If the horse has been branded with an “L” means that the animal has been classed as a “loss of use” by an insurance company (similar to a car “write-off”)
• Check the description with Horse Watch, to see that it hasn’t been registered as stolen (www.ukhorsewatch.org.uk)
Buyers are also advised to look for signs that the seller may have been trying to calm the animal’s behaviour. For example, does it appear to have been excessively exercised? Has water been withheld? To spot whether a horse has been drugged will require the vet checking the horse and taking a blood sample at the pre-sale inspection.
Head of Trading Standards David Bull said: “Deciding to purchase a horse or pony is a big decision similar to buying a car. Buying the wrong animal could be a very costly mistake and could ultimately put your life at risk or your child’s if it is intended for them. Don’t be rushed into making a decision, and if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is”.
Contacts:
Caroline North, Team Leader 0116 2656568
Philip Hurford, Unit Head 0116 2656554
Background:
1) Leicestershire County Council is responsible for enforcing trade descriptions and horse passport legislation for all horses bought and sold within the County.
2) Anyone found selling a horse or pony without a valid passport or using a false description could face the possibility of prosecution, and up to 2 years imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000, or both if found guilty.
3) Businesses wanting further advice on the sale of horses, they can contact the Leicestershire Trading Standards Service on 0116 2658000. Consumers wishing to get advice on their statutory rights, should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
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