Abandoned horses increase

The RSPCA say the number of abandoned and neglaected horses are putting unknown pressure on the charity.

They are dealing with large numbers of dead or dying horses being dumped in remote spots and horses placed in RSPCA care because their owners are accused of cruelty and neglect.

In the north of England the RSPCA is boarding 227 horses which are subject to on-going investigations, almost all of which are in private establishments at a cost of between £10-£15 per day. Veterinary and Farrier care is extra.

Cathy Hyde, equine officer for the North of England, said:

The animals refuge in Wetheral, north of Carlisle is one place the RSPCA could send horses, but they are already full to capacity. They have a number of horses that are ready to be re-homed, until they find homes for these horses they can't help the RSPCA. Patricia Bell-Atkin is the manager there she says:

Patrica suggests that the economic climate could have something to do with the increase in abandoned horses. She said:

The un-wanted horses are ending up at sanctuaries like the one in Wetheral and the financial burden is passed on to the charities that run them. Cathy from the RSPCA said: