Urgent appeal launched by the RSPCA as equine crisis in Wales continues to grow

The RSPCA is launching an urgent appeal to find homes for horses, ponies and donkeys in its care as the charity hits capacity in the amount of equines they can care for.

The the animal welfare organisation say they are in desperately need to find homes for horses to free up space to take in more neglected and abused animals.

As of 19 March 2015 there were 640 equines in RSPCA care which have been rescued from England and Wales, the average boarding cost is £15 per day per horse.

New RSPCA figures show the crisis is continuing in Wales with the charity receiving thousands of calls in relation to equines*

• The number of equine complaints the RSPCA has dealt with remains high with 2,166 in 2014 – these were in relation to 10,780 equines.
• The most equine complaints dealt with in 2014 came from Swansea (289) and Cardiff (229).
• A total of 203 equine complaints came from Carmarthenshire in 2014 – in relation to 2,563 horses.
• The main reasons for horses entering our care are headcollar injuries, starvation, untreated wounds and irresponsible ownership.

*One complaint is often about the welfare of more than one horse.

George was born in RSPCA care on 5 May 2014 is also looking for a home along with his mum Bubbles. Bubbles (below left) was rescued on the Gower Peninsula in an emaciated state, heavily burdened with worms and was suffering with chronic diarrhea. After a period of high dependency she slowly started to gain strength and weight and during blood tests it was discovered she was in foal. Miraculously, with dedicated RSPCA care, she gave birth to George, who we see today is full of life, and is waiting for his forever home.

RSPCA Cymru’s Steve Carter said:

“The situation in Wales remains critical and the number of equines dealt with by RSPCA officers, that have been neglected and abused, is worrying.

“The numbers of calls we are receiving remain a strain but the work that is being done by the RSPCA is paying off thanks to a lot of hard work being put in.

“RSPCA Cymru is also working collaboratively at both a policy and operational level with Local Authorities in regards to the Control of Horses (Wales) Act* which has been in force since January 2014. Whilst it remains early to make firm assessments on the success of the Act, the reduction in abandonments seen by the RSPCA across Wales is a positive development.”

It is believed that there are 3,000 horses identified as being at risk across England and Wales and to help deal with the ongoing crisis, RSPCA is launching an appeal for homes for the horses, ponies and donkeys in its care.

They include Seren Coed was rescued by the RSPCA from Caernarfon in January after being found with a horrific injury to one of her hind legs. Now thanks to RSPCA she has shown great improvement and will make wonderful family pony.

A donkey rescued a few weeks ago from the Vale of Glamorgan will be looking for a loving home in the near future. He was found with a bad injury to his withers, and abandoned to fend for himself. After RSPCA care, he is now settling into life at RSPCA donkey sanctuary Lockwood Animal Centre in Surrey.

RSPCA equine rehoming officer for Wales Gareth Johnson said:

“There are many horses that have suffered terribly that need good responsible homes. Rescue horses make good companions and there are a variety of rescue horses available for rehoming.

“We are hoping this appeal will help us rehome many of our horses, ponies and donkeys. We have had a good response from Welsh horse and pony owners in the past – and we continue to invite people – who have the means to – to rehome a horse from us.”

To apply to adopt a horse, pony or donkey please visit www.rspca.org.uk/homesforhorses.

Text HORSE to 70111 TO GIVE £3. Texts cost £3 + your standard network rate. RSPCA will receive 100% of your donation, excluding 02 customers, where £2.96 will be received. By using this service, you agree that we may contact you in the future, if you’d rather we didn’t text OPTOUT to 70030. To discuss this donation, please call 0300 123 0346.