Support: MP Stephen Crabb recently visited Pembrokeshire College equine studies tutor, Michael Butcher, at the Bowlings Riding Centre to discuss the effects of his proposals on the equine industry.

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb's attempt to bring relief to rural businesses struggling with soaring insurance premiums was scuppered last Friday after a Labour MP blocked his bid to amend the Animals Act 1971.

Stephen decided to address the problem after hearing of the increased insurance burden facing the Llanwnda stables in Pembrokeshire. Owner Ingrid Evans has seen insurance premiums rise by more than 800% in the last seven years, from £858 in 2001 to more than £7,000.

In a move that has costly consequences for farmers and horse owners, Hendon MP Andrew Dismore, a former personal injury lawyer, spoke for two hours 19minutes against Stephen Crabb's private members' bill, which was intended to clarify the law on the liability of animal owners in the event of an accident.

At the end of his marathon speech Mr Dismore forced a vote.

Despite having backing from the government and opposition parties, and winning the vote overwhelmingly, the bill failed as there were eight less than the necessary 40 MPs present in Parliament to cast their vote.

Stephen said: "My bill would have brought welcome relief to hundreds of rural businesses and the millions of people who enjoy their services. It had been welcomed by all sides in the House of Commons and by a wide range of groups outside Parliament, from the National Farmers' Union to the Ramblers Association.

"It is rare for such a diverse group of organisations to pull together, and I am very disappointed that it failed to receive sufficient support in the house to proceed.

"I will continue to press the Government to allocate the bill more time to reach the statute books. It is vital that this important point of law is clarified as soon as possible to protect responsible owners of animals from unfair compensation claims."

The proposed law would have introduced an important amendment to the act 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.

The ruling has had a disastrous impact on equine businesses in particular, as a result of soaring insurance costs.

Riding stables saw an increase of around 25% in the year after the ruling and overall insurance bills have risen by two thirds since 2003.

Speaking with Michael Butcher, head of equine studies at Pembrokeshire College, Stephen was told the bill could have had positive effects for local horse and riding school owners.

Six riding schools have closed in Pembrokeshire in the last ten years.

9:58am Monday 7th April 2008

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