How a welfare crisis that ‘shook people to the core’ has been turned into action to benefit horses

Turnout, grazing, feeding, autumn

Ireland has taken an equine welfare crisis that “shook people to the core” and used it to update its frameworks to protect horses, according to its chief veterinary officer.

June Fanning, who has worked with the Irish government department of agriculture, food and the marine (DAFM) for over 20 years, addressed the 2026 National Equine Forum on 5 March, on the way the country had made progress in response to a media spotlight.

Dr Fanning covered the...