Star comment: Dumped horses is real crisis
The number of complaints received by the RSPCA about abandoned horses have risen 16-fold in the past two years, and the rescue charity admits that the situation has reached crisis point.
Ponies can be purchased for just a few pounds these days – but inexperienced owners often underestimate how much they will cost to maintain.
And that's why these people are increasingly cutting their losses and leaving horses to fend for themselves on someone else's land.
Severn Trent is wrestling with one such problem today after 12 Welsh cob ponies were abandoned on their land near Nesscliffe.
For now, they are being cared for by Severn Trent officials. But the water firm has issued a notice warning the unknown owner the ponies will be rehomed, sold or humanely destroyed if they are not collected within 14 days.
It is estimated that almost 7,000 horses are at risk in Britain, meaning that they are being irresponsibly grazed or their welfare is at risk.
Rogue dealers are not helping the situation by continuing to buy, breed and import horses, even though the market has become so saturated that the prices for horses and ponies have crashed. Animals can now be found at sales for as little as £5, yet still remain unsold.
The poor economic climate has exacerbated the problem. Horses cost up to £100 a week to look after, and people are cutting back on veterinary costs, routine care, shelter and feed.
Inevitably, many of these have been destroyed, and 'hidden' by finding their way into the black market meat trade.
The answer – just as it is for dangerous or unruly dogs – is to clamp down with no-nonsense legislation.
Laws should be imposed for 'fly grazing' horses on private land without permission, making it easier for enforcement agencies and landowners to take action.
The inadequate horse passport system, which is intended to link a horse with its owner like a dog's microchip, needs a comprehensive overhaul, since a staggering 70 per cent of horses the RSPCA receive have no identified owner.
And of course, if you feel you have room for a pony in your life, you can do your bit too by making sure you've fully researched the ongoing costs, and considering taking on a rescued horse.
