Enough is enough (From Dudley News)

Enough is enough

1:30pm Wednesday 11th April 2012 in Local

DEATH RSPCA inspectors have warned enough is enough as yet another young horse, found in a pitiful state, is put to sleep on the Fens Pool Nature Reserve.

In the second similar incident in as many months, a young gelding was found collapsed, unable to stand, with swollen eyes and bald patches after allegedly being hit by a motorbike days earlier.

The white horse,which had a black forelock and tail, was thought to be aroundthree to four years old.

It was not microchipped and was in a poor condition and was put down on April 2 due the extent of the injury it had sustained.

Back in February, a horse with a broken leg also had to be euthanised after allegedly being chased around the reserve by youths on motorbikes.

RSPCA Inspector Jackie Hickman, said: “If this was the case and these horses are being deliberately targeted, then serious animal welfare offences may have been committed.

This behaviour is totally unacceptable and has to stop.”

The animal charity is now calling for serious action after welfare concerns of horses in the Pensnett and Russells Hall area has become “overwhelming”.

Equine vet, Andrew Crane, who attended the horse, said:“In 25 years of working as a veterinary surgeon in the area I have seen far too many horses suffering and dying through both neglect and deliberate cruelty. It is a big welfare problem and high time serious action was taken to prevent any more cases such as this latest one.”

In the last few months the number of incidents relating to neglected horses in the area have escalated, despite a successful 12 month initiative by West Midlands Police to impound any animal found to be causing a danger on the borough’s roads under a 165-year-old law, which has been extended for a further year.

Back in December a number of the ponies had to be shot on Fens Pool to end their suffering, two were removed for being underweight, while four of the most seriously ill were seized and transferred to Redwings, the largest horse sanctuary in the country for immediate treatment, where they are making slow but steady progress.

And only last month, the News also reported how a labouring Shetland pony had to be put to sleep in Russells Hall estate after difficulties arose after she tried to give birth to a dead foal, while tethered without food or water.

While back in November a black and white mare was found dead after being tethered on woodland off Overfield Road.

Inspector Hickman added: “The owner of any horse has a legal responsibility to provide a duty of care towards their animal. This includes the need to protect them from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

“Simply leaving horses tethered as a way of long term management without addressing their welfare needs is highly inappropriate and can lead to them suffering. Things have to change.”

Anyone with any information about the latest attack should call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.