Campaigners urge united action against 'horse tax'

THE UK horse racing industry has issued a rallying cry for owners and breeders to join together and urge the government to shelve plans for a “tax in all but name” on the sector.

The ‘Rethink the Horse Tax’ campaign was launched yesterday by a coalition of organisations including the BHA, Racehorse Owners’ Association, National Trainers’ Federation and
Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association.

The coalition was formed in response to a government consultation over a proposed animal health body thatwould
deal with major diseases, such as the foot and mouth outbreak
in 2001.

Campaigners are worried that the proposal would lead to the introduction of what they claim will be a “stealth tax”on all
livestock, including horses and ponies. They say that horse owners could be asked to pay £10.50 per year for every horse they own.

Supporters are being encouraged to visit the campaign website – www.rethinkthehorsetax.org – and to take action by writing to their MPs and by signing an online petition to the primeminister.

The government said the levy, which would raise more than £6.8 million per year, would help fund a £56m animal health agency and reduce the burden on the taxpayer for combating animal disease.

The BHA and its partners claim that the scheme would place an
unfair financial burden on the industry, which contributes £300m in annual taxation revenue to the government coffers.

Campaigners say the industry is already paying more than its fair share, spending £750,000 annually on disease prevention and management to cover 17,000 horses in training.

The plan is also opposed by veterinary surgeons, who argue
it would needlessly complicate the process of managing disease
and put at risk the single line of command essential in the event
of a major outbreak.

With set-up costs of £14.3m, followed by millions more to maintain the agency in subsequent years, the racing industry says the proposal does not represent value for money for horse owners or the taxpayer.

Will Lambe, the BHA’s head of external affairs, said: “The whole
of the horse sector is united. The government’s proposals are unfair and don’t represent a workable strategy for disease management. We are determined to have our voice heard and to work with government to find an alternative solution.”