Help Sought for Rescued Horses
Groom Clare running with horse Lulu in paddock (picture courtesy of the RSPCA).
More than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys were removed from horrific conditions at Spindle Farm.
Many of the animals had little food or dry bedding and were crammed into pens, fetlock (ankle) deep in faeces. Other horses had simply been left to die where they fell, others were burned on bonfires, and there was a pile of bones and a skull against an outbuilding.
Since then the horses have been lovingly cared for by the RSPCA, The Horse Trust, Redwings and World Horse Welfare.
So far the case has cost the RSPCA £2.3million in legal fees, veterinary bills and the animals’ on-going care. The other charities have footed the bill for the horses they are looking after and are making separate arrangements for their future care2.
Now the court case and appeal are finally over, the RSPCA is beginning the search for permanent new homes for horses in its care that are ready to go to new owners.
If you think you have got what it takes to offer a permanent new home to one of these horses please visit www.rspca.org.uk/amersham and complete the application form.
RSPCA equine rehoming officer Sally Learoyd said: “These horses have been through a terrible ordeal and we need to find extra special permanent homes for them. We’re looking for patient, experienced owners who have the facilities, time, knowledge and money needed to care for the horses for the rest of their lives. These horses are mostly youngsters, so potential adopters will need to be able to offer a long- term commitment.
“The horses are of the type you might expect to find on a dealer’s yard – mostly cob and Shetland types. Some were young, some ancient, some were sound and some wrecked. They were all sick and sorry and in desperate need of our help. Their rehabilitation has been a fascinating journey to witness and a testament to the bravery and patience of horses.”
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
