Rescuing a Horse or Pony

' Rescuing ' a horse or pony

badly emaciated mare and foal

It is a sad fact of life that - despite a plethora of animal welfare groups and rescue centres - there will always be horses or ponies that are unwanted, neglected or ill-treated. Where possible, they should be dealt with by the authorities, your first step is to report it - either to the SWEP or to the RSPCA, ILPH, or Blue Cross. Give as many details as you can: Owner - if known - and contact details if possible; the horse's location - again, as much detail as possible; and what the problem is, if known. Ask the organisation to notify you when they have investigated, and what - if anything - they intend to do.

Unfortunately, thanks to the antiquated nature of the Protection of Animals Act of 1911, there is sometimes nothing that can be done other than to try to warn and advise the owner - if he can be found. Contrary to popular opinion, welfare officers - even RSPCA ' Inspector' - have no power to march in and seize an animal. If they did so, they could be prosecuted for theft.

Only if the horse or pony is in such poor condition that it is actually ' suffering' (by legal definition) and if a police officer and veterinary surgeon agrees, can a horse be removed without its owner's consent. Even if you think that nothing is being done, please don't take the law into your own hands and try to retrieve a neglected horse or pony. Even though your intentions are good, you will usually be breaking the law. Report the case again - preferably to the same organisation and if you believe it justified to prevent immediate suffering, make a complaint to your local police station.

STRAYS
Occasionally horses or ponies are found wandering loose. In most cases, they belong to someone and have accidentally escaped. First step is to ensure the animal is taken off the road and put somewhere safe. Then report it to the police and the local council. If the owner cannot be quickly located, a rescue organisation may be prepared to take it, or there may be a local pound. If you have the facilities to look after it, you may be prepared to keep it until the owner is located. Otherwise, speak to the police or your own solicitor. If an owner reclaims the horse, it is perfectly legitimate to charge him for the horse's keep and any out of pocket expenses.

OTHER ' RESCUES'
You may be tempted to buy a foal or an unwanted horse at market - or privately - to ' save it from slaughter, or to adopt a horse you hear of that is unwanted. Be wary. Unwanted horses are usually unwanted for a reason - they may be extremely badly behaved - even dangerous, or suffer an illness or unsoundness that makes them expensive to keep for little or no possible use. Unless you are very experienced, please seek advice FIRST.