Horses left outdoors prompts concern

There is a situation in CBRM involving two racehorses which are left to spend all their time in what is basically an open field surrounded by an electrically wired fence. There are a few trees at the bottom of the field, but not enough to get shelter.

The horses have been there since the fall, enduring the October flood with only a lean-to for shelter. Only one of the horses will go in. They are constantly enduring high winds, frigid temperatures and freezing rain.

The authorities were notified but the bottom line, I’ve been told, is this. The law states that horses don’t need a barn. They just need shelter from the elements that meets certain requirements.

The horses’ food is on the outside of the fence and they depend solely on the owners for food. They have been zapped more than once trying to get the hay. Most times their water is frozen in a bucket, forcing them to lick the ice on the ground.

There are only two animal inspectors in Nova Scotia from what I understand. When I asked why so few the reply was there are not enough complaints to warrant more staff.

What do we as human beings consider to be abuse to our animal friends? Apparently in this case nothing will be done until the horses’ ribs are sticking out and they are on their last legs, if, indeed, they don’t break a leg on the ice. So much for exercise that any normal horse requires to stay healthy.

The agricultural minister should have the laws changed to help protect animals from abuse. These animals have suffered enough. Can you imagine walking around with snow on your back and ice on your tail? But as long as you look healthy you will be ignored.

It hurts me to watch this, which is only minor to what these horses have to suffer. They need help.

Ed (Mario) Hogan New Waterford