Nineteen fly-grazed Shire horses rescued from Kidderminster
Six charities joined forces to rescue 19 fly-grazing Shire horses from Kidderminster.
Posted on 01/11/2017
Share
On Friday 10th November, we joined forces with Redwings, Blue Cross, Bransby Horses, HorseWorld and RSPCA to round-up a group of Shire horses found fly-grazing in Bewdley, near Kidderminster, Worcestershire.
Redwings received a call to the charity’s welfare line from a landowner about a large group of Shire horses fly-grazing on his land. Notices were issued for the owner to claim the horses, but sadly to no avail. Under the Control of Horses Act 2015 (England), ownership was subsequently transferred to the landowner who requested the help of Redwings to secure the future of the horses as he was not able to provide the specialist care these heavy horses require.
Following a visit and assessment of the horses by Redwings’ senior field officer Julie Harding, concerns were also raised for the welfare of the horses with the onset of winter and in light of the youngsters and foals being completely unhandled.
During the 15-hour rescue operation, all 19 horses were successfully removed from the site. Redwings offered a home to six horses – four mares, two of which had foals at foot. Four horses were rehomed to RSPCA, three to Horseworld, and Bransby Horses, Blue Cross and World Horse Welfare all offering homes to two horses.
Commenting on the rescue operation, Redwings’ Head of Welfare and Behaviour Nic de Brauwere said:
“It is safe to say that had we not intervened the welfare of this group would have been at great risk, especially with the approaching winter. No provisions had been made by the owner for their ongoing care, nor had the youngsters received any type of handling, owing to a complete lack of basic care.
“This round-up is an example of both the effectiveness of the Control of Horses Act and of successful partnership working among the welfare charities to secure the future of a group of horses, the outlook for whom would otherwise had been extremely concerning”.
Similarly, Redwings Senior Field Officer Julie Harding said:
“I cannot comprehend why such a low value was placed on these beautiful animals to fly-graze them in the first place and then not to come forward to claim them; it really saddens me. Thankfully, together with our colleagues at our fellow welfare charities, we were able to offer these mares and foals a home where they’ll be treasured.”
Share
Topics
Related News
Ten year ban for owner who illegally grazed horses who suffered toxic burns
A man has been banned from keeping equines for 10 years after horses were discovered with toxic burns
Rehomed Shetland now thriving at Aboyne centre after horrific neglect
When Haggis was found he was riddled with lice, grossly overweight and showing signs of laminitis, an extremely painful and sometimes fatal condition affecting horses’ hooves.
Recommended Blog Posts
Bringing horses back into work: how to restart youngsters, progress a horse’s rehab or get an all-rounder fit
Want to find out more about bringing horses back into work? Check out expert advice from Adam Cummins, Centre Manager at Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre.
Sweet itch: what is it and how do we manage our ponies who have it?
Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre Assistant Centre Manager Sara Jerman explains more.
We were there to help when nobody else was
Field Officer Sara shares Cadbury’s tragic story.
Enjoy reading stories like this?
Join over 65,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Join over 65,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Sign me up now
