Big chill 'could kill 1,000 horses'

More than 1,000 horses will starve to death because of the extreme wintry weather conditions and a lack of food, it was warned today.

The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals demanded the Government ban any further breeding until neglected and distressed horses are rescued and re-homed.

The body claimed owners could not afford supplementary feed for the animals resulting in a potential equine tragedy unless action is taken to stop unlicensed breeding.

Jimmy Cahill, DSPCA chief executive, said: “Horrific weather conditions and a lack of supplementary feed is resulting in horses around the country starving to death.

“Animals need supplementary feed at this time of year and it would appear that their owners simply can not afford to give it to them.

“When times were good, people had horses as pets, now they are failing to feed them and these innocent animals are paying the price.”

The DSPCA said the charity was forced to put down three horses in the last week.

“All horses must be micro-chipped, licensed and have a passport,” Mr Cahill said.

“This is simply not the case in so many of the rescues that we have done this year; no one is taking responsibility for these animals.

“It is imperative that no more horses are bred in this country until all of those currently in existence have been rescued and re-homed.”