Bill To Protect British Horse Owners In House Of Commons

A new Bill to protect responsible owners of animals from unfair compensation claims has been published in Britain. The Bill, introduced by Stephen Crabb, Conservative Member of Parliament for Preseli Pembrokeshire, is due to receive its Second Reading in the House of Commons on Friday, March 14.

The proposed law will introduce an important amendment to the Animals Act 1971 to limit cases where animal owners can be "strictly liable" for accidents caused by their animals. Strict liability imposes legal responsibility on animal owners, even when they have taken all responsible steps to prevent an accident. Ever since a House of Lords ruling in 2003 that extended the application of strict liability, insurance premiums have soared, threatening the livelihoods of thousands in small stables across the country. 

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It seems to me that the House of Lords must have a stake in the insurance business. In the U.S., many states have laws protecting professionals from liability claims, whether it be llamas or horses. You cannot protect ignorant individuals who walk up behind a horse, pull it's tail and get kicked. I'm sorry but the HOL should protect the breeders and not the city folk who think milk comes from plastic cartons.