Secret ordeal of abandoned foals highlights looming horse welfare crisis

Tuesday, 15 October 2013

As charities warm of impending horse welfare crisis facing 7,000 horses across the UK this winter Buckinghamshire-based charity The Horse Trust has spoken publicly for the first time about the secret plight of three rescued foals found abandoned and close to death.

Domino and Jenga were two of three foals found abandoned in a field in Hertfordshire in November 2012. The foals were sick, emaciated and lifeless when they were rescued by the RSPCA and rushed to the Royal Veterinary College for emergency treatment. Tragically after only a week one of the foals lost their fight for life.

After 2 weeks in intensive care the two surviving foals were sent to The Horse Trust. Five month old Domino and Jenga needed round-the-clock care. They were so weak that for months they struggled to eat and could not even stand without help. They needed daily medication including antibiotics and steroids so that the worming drugs they so desperately needed wouldn’t kill them. They were so ill that they had to return to the Royal Veterinary College for a month long stay.

With legal matters in hand as the RSPCA pursued those responsible for the terrible condition of these foals the charity had to remain silent and focus on giving them as much care and attention they needed. Now, with legal matters concluded they have spoken publicly about the foal’s plight.

The Horse Trust’s Chief Executive Jeanette Allen said: “Domino and Jenga’s ordeal highlights the horse welfare crisis facing our country. The combination of the economic climate and overbreeding mean that there are a growing number of horses being abandoned across the UK. Colt foals like Domino and Jenga are at the greatest risk as they have little monetary value”.

Charities have been warning of a horse crisis looming for 6,000 equines for over a year. Despite welfare charities pleas for government and public help the estimated number of horses at risk had risen to 7,000 within six months. Charities now fear that they will not be able to cope with the number of horses in need of help. Overbreeding of horses has continued with some horses sold at markets for as little as £5. This has led to more and more horses like Domino and Jenga being abandoned and left to fend for themselves.

Ten months on Domino and Jenga are still slowly recovering. The emaciated, sick and lifeless foals that were rescued last year have been transformed in to lively young ponies.

Miss Allen continues “Sadly, some of the damage done before they were rescued will probably never heal properly and they are both likely to need lifelong veterinary care. Their future is uncertain but we will do all we can to give them every chance of a long and happy life”.

The Horse Trust is urgently appealing for public donations to help pay for Domino and Jenga’s care and to ensure that the charity ready to help those like them who will, sadly, need help this winter.

If you would like to help Domino and Jenga please call The Horse Trust on 01494 488464 or visit www.horsetrust.org.uk
Photography:

Domino on arrival at The Horse Trust
Jenga on arrival at The Horse Trust

-Ends-

For further information please contact:
The Horse Trust
Catherine Napper
T 01494 540024
M: 07900 905199
E: catherine@horsetrust.org.uk
W www.horsetrust.org.uk

PR Agency
Insight Group Marketing
Mark Robson
T: 0845 643 6181
M: 07785 395 499
E: tht@insightgroup.co.uk
W: www.insightgroup.co.uk

Notes for Editors
1. The Horse Trust, founded in 1886, is the oldest horse charity in the UK. Based at Speen, Buckinghamshire, it provides a place of retreat for working horses that have served their country or community and nurtures them throughout their final years. The charity also gives sanctuary to horses, ponies and donkeys that have suffered and need special treatment. The Horse Trust funds non-invasive research that advances knowledge of equine diseases, improving diagnosis and treatment and reducing suffering among equines worldwide. The charity also offers training for professionals and owners, with a focus on equine welfare and quality of life assessment.

2. The Horse Trust depends on the support of the public to look after retired working horses. It costs the charity an average of £12 per day to look after each horse at the sanctuary, which includes the costs of grooms, forage, farriery and veterinary care. The Horse Trust spends £50,000 per year on medication and vets fees. To donate to The Horse Trust, please visit www.horsetrust.org.uk, or contact the charity on 01494 488 464 or info@horsetrust.org.uk.