Abandoned horses - Animals in distress

For a country that so enthusiastically enjoys horses, horsemanship, and more or less everything to do with the animals, yesterday’s statement from the ISPCA, that it can no longer care for abandoned horses because its centres are full, strikes a sad note.

The society has had to deal with a 33% increase in calls on abandoned or distressed horses in the last year. The situation is apparent in nearly every urban centre where horses are seen foraging on under-utilised land. The situation is exacerbated by the fact the establishing ownership and therefore responsibility is often impossible. Less than 5% of horses are microchipped.

Local authorities or charities can only do so much, especially when there are so many more pressing demands on their resources. It may challenge some sensitivities but surely it is better to end the distress endured by these animals rather than to leave them to face the hardships of a bitterly cold and hungry spring?