Kentish Express Ashford & District
Owners take action after fears over sickly horses
RSPCA step in after public’s complaints over ailing animals
Two unhealthy-looking horses have been removed from a field in Ashford following calls from concerned residents.
The two ailing cobs were living on land off Victoria Road until late last week.
Animal charity the RSPCA, and the Kentish Express, both received calls about the two horses, which reportedly had rotten teeth, limited food and water, and badly matted manes.
Now, the inspector dealing with the animals says that the horses have been taken from the land by their owners, who are now following welfare advice given to them by the charity.
A spokesman added: “The horses have food and water and are eating, and we have consulted with equine vets and another equine charity, who do not have urgent concerns about their health.
“We will, however, continue to monitor the welfare of the horses and continue to be in conversations with their owner.”
Abandoned horses in a field off Victoria Road, Ashford
A third horse, which was also living on the field and was identif i ed as underweight, was removed by the RSPCA earlier this month and given into the care of another horse charity following the advice of a vet.
Prior to their removal, Ashford resident Jan Cook had visited the horses and taken them food.
Speaking this week, she said: “I went down at the weekend and saw they had been removed. I was hoping a charity had taken them.
“I just hope the RSPCA keep an eye on them.”
Stella King, centre manager at Canterbury Horse Rescue, said she had received half a dozen calls about the horses over the last few weeks.
She said: “They were in a condition that wasn’t acceptable. The owners have moved them, now they are out of sight. Hopefully they will address the situation.”
Anyone with concerns about the horses or any others can call 0300 1234 999.
“It breaks my heart to see these poor horses every morning on my way to work. Have been giving them apples but it isn’t enough, they need proper care! Makes me sick!”
“This is disgusting! Wish someone would just take them and give them what they need. Breaks my heart.”