UK RSPCA Appeals for Help with Horse Crisis

The British RSPCA are in the middle of a horse crisis! They are seeing an alarming increase in the number of horses and ponies coming into their care as a result of cruelty and neglect.  The launch of the Stable Future Appeal is a response to this dire situation, which will hopefully help find more special equine fosterers in the UK.

The RSPCA are looking for dedicated and experienced horse handlers willing to foster one or more of the many young equines in their care.

Equine foster carers care for young horses and ponies until such time as the animals are old and mature enough to be returned to one of the equine centres for further training and permanent rehoming.

Through being fostered, a young equine can benefit from learning invaluable life experiences which can greatly improve their chances of being successfully rehomed when ready.

The recession, rising hay costs and irresponsible breeding are thought to be to blame for the rising number of horses being neglected and abandoned.

Sally Learoyd, the British RSPCA’s equine rehoming officer, said: “Over the past year we’ve seen a huge increase in the amount of horses being disowned or allowed to get into an appalling state because the trade in horses has collapsed.

“I’ve heard of young horses being sold for £5 and we’ve come across a case of someone keeping a horse on a tower block balcony.

“We have a never-ending tide of young horses coming into our centres. Fostering our youngsters is a way that horse lovers can help us with this problem.”

Last year the British RSPCA took on 600 horses and ponies.

If you know someone in Britian who might be able to help out with fostering, be sure to spread the word about the Stable Future Appeal.

Quick Link

• Visit www.rspca.org.uk to find out more