Another cost?

SOME WPCS council members are also concerned at the potential impact of new disease cost-sharing proposals on horse owners.

Estimated costs are pounds 10.50-a-horse, pounds 4.80-per-dairy cow, pounds 1.20 for beef animals, 82p-a-sheep and 4p for poultry and gamebirds.

So far the levy is only being considered in England, where consultations finished this week. Wales, yet to agree its animal health budget with Westminister, has similar plans in the pipeline - and the equine industry is worried.

If taken up, the scheme would start in 2012 and would subsidise state attempts to control diseases such as African Horse Sickness.