Owners urged to do right by horses when the time comes
Recent incidents of equids who have been given away free, or cheaply, have sparked a warning on appropriate actions
OWNERS have been urged to do the responsible thing for their horses when the time comes, even if that means making a difficult decision – instead of giving them away into an uncertain future.
The topic of giving horses away free or selling them cheaply – and the possible consequences of this – has been highlighted by a number of recent cases.
Vet Natalie McGoldrick was called out to a collapsed mare, who had been bought seven weeks previously as a seven-year-old.
The mare was discovered to be in her twenties and in poor health. When she was unable to get to her feet, she was put down.
In another case, a donkey foal was given away for free online, but his new owners, who were keeping him in a small garden, realised they were unable to care for him – and he was taken into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland.
Welfare charities are usually full to capacity, and World Horse Welfare head of support Sam Chubbock told H&H for an owner who can no longer keep their horse because of age, injury, change in circumstances or other reasons, deciding what future is best for them can be “very hard”.
“While in some cases it is possible to find a reliable and long-term home, it can be almost impossible to distinguish the good homes from those which excel at sounding plausible for all the wrong reasons,” she said.
“It is also important to remember that once a horse has left someone’s ownership, they will have no say on what happens to them in future.”
Paralympian Deb Criddle and her daughter Lauren spoke about their experience with a well-bred gelding, who was advertised cheaply in 2013. “Boston” was in poor condition and Deb and Lauren felt sorry for him, so bought him for £500.
Despite time off and vet checks, his dangerous behaviour worsened and he was put down two years later.
“When he got to the stage he was, it was a no-brainer and the right choice,” said Deb.
“We had done everything we could to help him, but you can only do so much and then you have to make the right decision. We would never have put someone else in our position by selling him.”
Ms Chubbock said every case is different, but an important part of responsible ownership is researching the options and considering how they might suit each horse’s needs.
“In some cases, it can be better for the owner to make an end-oflife decision for their horse than risk an uncertain future outside of their control,” she said. “There is advice and support available and every horse keeper should be aware of the options, because illness or accidents can happen at any time and any age.”
“You have to make the right decision”
DEB CRIDDLE