392 cases of abandoned horses have been reported to Redwings, the largest horse sanctuary in the UK so far this year, they estimate that the total for 2011 will be in the region of 460 as compared to 160 in 2009.
Abandonment is not the answer, warns Redwings, nor are charities an easy solution.
“Abandoning your horse does not necessarily mean it will have a happy ending at a charity or sanctuary because we simply cannot accommodate them all,” comments Senior Welfare Officer Rachel Angell. “We are using all of our limited resources to ‘fire fight’ the number of welfare cases that involve advanced suffering, these have to remain a priority. A charity is unfortunately not the instant answer, as many are already stretched to the limit.”
“Sadly while many abandonments are the result of dealers and breeders leaving their unwanted stock on a public road or on council or privately owned land we also suspect that some of the abandoned animals are the result of inexperienced people ridding themselves of an expensive problem,” explains Rachel.
Redwings wishes to send out two strong messages: that breeders should think carefully before producing foals and that people stop and think carefully before taking on the cost and responsibility of an equine.
“Abandoning a horse or pony is not only illegal but is extremely cruel”, concludes Rachel. “It is not in any way caring as it puts the animal through a stressful ordeal with very little chance of a good outcome.”
Anyone struggling to care for their horse is welcome to call Redwings Horse Sanctuary for free advice on 01508 481008 or read information about abandonment, including what to do if a horse has been abandoned on your land, see www.redwings.org.uk/welfare/advice-and-information/abandonment/.
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