Callous actions putting strain on charities

HOW anyone can dump innocent defenceless animals and leave them starving and terrified is beyond my comprehension (“Charity in plea to help abandoned big animals”, Mercury, October 9).

Such callous individuals must be unaware that horses and all other animals have inner feelings as well as the ability to experience physical pain and discomfort. Horses, who were indispensable years ago, are now being treated like disposable commodities.

Unscrupulous people continue to breed horses despite a falling demand just to make a quick, albeit small profit. Many prospective buyers are either unaware of the cost of keeping an animal or buy on a whim.

Such people probably give more consideration when buying a new TV than when taking on the responsibility of another’s life. Consequently, animals are dumped.

It is forecast that a future recession will result in more horses and other companion animals being abandoned. Such actions place increased strain on rescue centres and other organisations that are already working flat out.

Covid-19 has resulted in reduced funds as fund-raising events are cancelled, the public are donating less, and charity staff are being made redundant.

Humans domesticated horses and other animals many years ago and we had a mutually beneficial relationship with them. It is our duty to care for them during hard times either directly by adoption or indirectly through donating to rescue charities.

Thank goodness for charities such as the RSPCA that “pick up the pieces” left by irresponsible, shameful human behaviour.

Elizabeth Allison, Aylestone