Not every complaint ends in the seizure of the animals concerned. An important part of the work we do is improving the welfare and management of the horses and ponies we are called out to through the knowledge and advice that we can pass on.
Although these pictures might lead you to believe that the only possible solution would be to remove the ponies from the situation, this was not the case.
Some of the wounds to the mare in the photograph on the left were caused by barbed wire fencing in the paddocks, but the larger ones were the result of the removal of sarcoids. The veterinary surgeon we called in for a second opinion felt that the treatment regime in place was 'good enough. 'Following our visit and contact with the local authority Licensing Officer, we had an excellent outcome. The owner, who was away, took remedial action after being made aware of the problems.
1. Post and rail fencing was put up and ragwort infested paddocks cleared.
2. The barn cleared and hard cored and a feeding hopper put in place.
We will continue to monitor the situation but are heartened by such a positive response
Cruelty Case - update
In August 2004 we reported on a complaint regarding animals being, inappropriately, kept in large garden. A pony there was found to have chronic laminitis and hooves 6" long. SWEP kept the case under review as a veterinary surgeon advised that the pony should be put down to bring an end to its suffering.
This advice has not been heeded and, in consequence, we informed the Devon and Cornwall Police who were able to take the necessary steps to ensure that this unhappy situation was resolved.
Misguided Loyalty
In
March 2005 SWEP attended a complaint about a very thin, as you can see
from his picture, thoroughbred gelding that was very weak and could
hardly walk. We contacted his owner who was proud to announce
“that he is probably the oldest horse in the country”. The owners Vet
said the horse was O.K. and not suffering, in fact his quote was “you
would not put down your Granny, why do it to your horse”. (“Let’s
hope that he is the only Vet with this attitude!!”) The owner of
the horse was allowing the horse to live through the summer
This is a real case of
misguided loyalty to your horse; it would have been kinder to put him
down.
Market Watch
SWEP keeps a watching brief at markets when horse sales are on to ensure the welfare of the animals taken there. Several of our recent rescues have come from these sales. Lucky's story, in particular, highlights the fact that the officials whose job it is to protect their welfare do not always act in the ponies' best interests. Click to read Lucky's story
Dartmoor Pony Drifts
September is the time of the autumn pony 'drifts' (round up) where the pregnant mares are taken off the the moor and the owners decide what ponies they will send to the local markets, held in late September and early October.
It's a busy time for us, as we monitor all the drifts and markets to ensure the welfare of ponies
at every stage
Our Work
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