JIM Knight, Minister for Horse Issues, received the first bale of the Country Land and Business Association's petition calling for Government action to halt the huge hikes in insurance costs for equine businesses at the CLA Game Fair at Belvoir Castle.

Association deputy president David Furdson explained: "A very broad interpretation of the Animals Act, which was originally meant to protect people from dangerous animals, has led to crippling insurance costs for equine business owners. Some members are reporting insurance costs increasing as much as 200 per cent over two years, leaving them wondering at the future viability of their businesses.

"A 2003 House of Lords ruling on the Animals Act has effectively meant that if an animal causes harm by behaving in a way typical of that type of animal, for example a horse being spooked and running into someone, even if nothing could have been done to prevent it, the owner is liable to be sued and insurance premiums are now reflecting this."

He said: "Effectively it's liability without fault. This interpretation of the Act, particularly in these litigious times, leaves anyone with a business that involves animals coming into contact with the public, be it the local riding school or a livestock farmer, extremely vulnerable."

The petition is available to sign on the association's website.