Earlier in the year, Redwings reported that over the last year we had seen a large increase in the amount of abandoned horses reported to us. By November 2011 our figures showed that the amount of abandoned horses reported to us has tripled since 2009.

In 2009, 160 were reported to our Welfare team as being abandoned, and in 2010 that figure had risen to 241. Between January and November 2011 the total number reported was 392 and is set to rise.

We have also seen an increase in reports from the police and councils who are discovering horses straying on roads or dumped on council or private land. We believe that some people think abandoning their horse will secure it a place at a rescue centre, which sadly is not the case. Many rescue centres are full-to- bursting and simply cannot accommodate such large numbers of horses. At the moment, Redwings has to prioritise cases of advanced neglect and suffering as we are stretched to the limit.

The economic climate is a contributing factor in this abandonment crisis. Firstly it is now cheap and easy to get a horse. We have seen ponies sell for as little as £2.50 at markets and sales, which makes it easy to buy one on a whim without thinking it through properly. The initial cost of a horse is irrelevant, as yearly care can cost upwards of £3000 - and this does not include emergency vets' fees.

A small number of abandonments are the result of desperate owners leaving their equine behind at a livery yard or on rented land. These cases could be inexperienced people trying to rid themselves of an expensive problem. We recommend that livery yard owners and those that are renting out land to horse owners take several months fees upfront and make sure all new arrivals are microchipped. This could make it easier to trace ownership once a horse has been abandoned and deter people from abandoning their horse with you.

Redwings wants to send out two strong messages on the back of this increase. Firstly, breeders should think very carefully before producing foals, and secondly that potential horse owners think about the costs and responsibilities involved with taking on a horse.

If you or someone you know has had a horse abandoned on your land, you can look at our website for step-by-step advice on how to deal with this unwanted situation. Anyone struggling to care for their horse, or is thinking about taking on a horse of their own for the first time, is welcome to call our Welfare team for free advice on 01508 481008.

To hear more news like this from the Redwings team, sign up to our e-newsletter at www.redwings.co.uk.

 

 

 

 

© 2011 Jennifer Prowse Media Services Ltd - Web Design by WDL