Equines found "queuing to die" in Caerphilly
Image: Redwings Horse Sanctuary
In a rescue led by Caerphilly Borough Council's trading standards department, thirty horses found "queuing to die" have been removed to welfare charities.
The equines, belonging to a private owner, were found on two sites in appalling conditions. Their suffering has been likened to that seen in the high profile Amersham rescue of 2008, where more than a hundred horses were found in dreadful conditions at Spindles Farm.
Three lorries, two vets and eight handling staff were sent to the sites during the rescue, removing the 26 horses in the worst condition to Redwings Sanctuary in Norfolk. Four others were taken to HorseWorld in Bristol, and a further four who are suspected to belong to the same owner, have already been removed to the Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies in Monmouth.
Nic de Brauwere, head of welfare and veterinary surgeon at Redwings, described the scene as "horrific". He said: "There was virtually no grass so while the site appeared very scenic, there was little or nothing for them to eat. They are in varying stages of emaciation; we have given them a condition rating which matches the Amersham horses.
"Some of the horses are already dead, and others would almost certainly have died if we had not intervened when we did. I can only describe it by saying it was as if they were queuing to die. It was an utterly depressing and heart-breaking scene I hoped I would never have to witness again.
"It's just awful to find yourself again separating the dead horses from the living and asking yourself how anyone can let this happen."
A spokesperson for trading standards Caerphilly said: "This case is the subject of an ongoing investigation by Trading Standards and therefore we are unable to reveal specific details…at this time." Councillor David Poole, cabinet member for community and leisure services has said he is "appalled" by the treatment of the equines.
Speaking of the collaboration of the local authorities and welfare charities Councillor Poole added: "This was an excellent example of a local authority working with animal welfare organisations to protect animals in need. These horses are now receiving expert care to get them back to health."
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.
