News stories
Four ponies saved from bleak midwinter
Four ponies have been taken in to Redwings following the charity’s involvement in a welfare problem in the West Midlands.
The four – a Shetland and three Cobs – were rescued from Fens Pool Nature Reserve, on the outskirts of Dudley, as part of a joint operation involving the police, Dudley Council, the RSPCA, Redwings, the British Horse Society and World Horse Welfare.
Redwings were in the area to give veterinary assistance and support to a suspected strangles outbreak. Our welfare vets had been asked to give education talks to local horse owners on horse welfare and strangles in an attempt to contain any spread of the potentially deadly disease.
Whilst there, the team took the chance to inspect a group of ponies found on the Fens Pool site nearby. Following this inspection, Animal Welfare Officers seized four of the worst cases and arranged for them to be transferred to a Redwings’ centre for immediate treatment.
Redwings’ Head of Welfare and Senior Vet Nic de Brauwere said: “The removal of these four equines is the first step for us in helping to deal with a bigger and more complicated problem in the area, but we could not leave these four to suffer further as they were in such poor condition.
“Our biggest problem is that the persons responsible for the welfare of these animals fail to make themselves known. If these people would accept their responsibilities and come forward we could offer help and support on how to care for their animals before they reach a suffering state.
“It is clear that, at the moment, they have neither the knowledge, means, or inclination to provide these ponies with even the most basic care.”
Over recent weeks there has been an increasing number of horse welfare problems in the area and animal welfare charities and local authorities are stretched in trying to manage the problem.
Nic de Brauwere added: “The problem is like an escalator – as soon as we resolve one issue another example of neglect appears. Strangles is not necessarily fatal in itself, but when it affects ponies like this who are already so weak through lack of proper food and worming, it can sometimes be more than their systems can cope with.”
RSPCA inspector Jackie Hickman said: “I have attended this area numerous times in the last few weeks as have colleagues of mine. Horses are moved around meaning you don’t see the same horses every time you attend.
“We are concerned about a possible Strangles outbreak in the area and we urge horse owners to call out their vets if their animals become unwell. Doing nothing, leaving their animal to suffer is simply not an option and could lead to prosecution.”
On arrival at Redwings, one of the four rescued ponies – a tiny Shetland – collapsed due to weakness and all four are under constant observation in hope that their strength returns.
Redwings’ Claire Edwards, who has been caring for the ponies, said: “Although they are settled, all four are very weak so, naturally, they are very quiet.
“Without our help, these ponies would have had little chance of survival over the coming weeks.
“The tiny Shetland is a particular concern. He had been tethered so tightly that bolt cutters were needed to release him. He is incredibly weak, but just started to eat so we are keeping everything crossed for his full recovery.”
Councillor David Stanley, cabinet member for environment and culture, said: “Over the last 12 months the council has gone to great lengths to address the issue of stray and illegally grazing horses. In partnership with the police, using police legal powers, we have been able to establish a reactive bailiff for the removal of horses from borough streets, which has been very effective.
“Unfortunately these legal powers can not be used on land other than the public highways so we are always extremely thankful for the support Redwings, the RSPCA and other welfare organisations have given the council on this and previous occasions in relation to issues on land such as Fens Pool.
“We would stress that horse owners need to make sure that they care for their animals properly. Where there is evidence of any horse suffering unnecessarily we will take action with the support of our partners and instigate legal action against them. In particular, owners should have their animals regularly checked by a vet as well as providing them with adequate food and water.”
The ponies have been named along a Christmas theme, and are now called Holly, Tinsel, Mistletoe and Robin.
