Horse welfare crisis continues unabated
Irresponsible breeding and falling horse prices are among contributing factors leading to an increase in neglect cases
EQUINE charities have reported an ‘enormous increase’ in welfare cases, with one taking in on average almost three horses or ponies each day last year.
Last year, the RSPCA rescued 55% more equines than in 2015. The charity took in a total of 979 horses, ponies and donkeys.
“For years we have been picking up the pieces of the crisis, with inspectors called to sick, injured, neglected or cruelly treated horses every day. And despite our best efforts the crisis is not getting any better,” said the RSPCA’s Cathy Hyde. “For many horses, rescue is the start of a long road to recovery, and it can take months to rehabilitate them to the point they can be rehomed.”
The charity has launched a sponsorship scheme, asking for contributions to equines’ care until they are ready for rehoming.
“The impact of the recession, over-breeding, high costs of vet bills and falling prices for horses have all contributed to the crisis, which has also seen a distressing number of horses dumped dead and dying like rubbish,” added a charity spokesman.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary chief executive Lynn Cutress echoed Ms Hyde and said the UK remains “in the grip of a crisis”.
Redwings has operated at capacity for the past few years.
“Despite this, we continue to rescue and care for those most in need and, if needs be, will bring horses into safety by funding care while we work to find places in the sanctuary,” she said.
“It has never been more crucial for our vets and rescue team to continue lending experience and expertise to communities and councils, as well as fellow welfare charities like the RSPCA, to put in place sustainable measures to improve the situation long-term.”
World Horse Welfare has seen a “steady flow” of welfare concerns, with more than 1,000 investigated this year, and a rise in cases involving multiple horses.
“There are sometimes dozens at one location; this continues to put pressure on all charities,” said World Horse Welfare deputy chief executive Tony Tyler. “We also have a rising number of foals and youngsters at our centres as so many horses arrive in foal or with a foal at foot. Irresponsible breeding is likely to be a primary factor in these trends.”