A pony found collapsed in filthy cow shed in Lancashire is now fighting fit and ready to find a new home.
Youngster Carl was discovered by RSPCA rescuers on a farm last summer, after they had been called to investigate concerns about dogs at the property.
When Inspector Carl Larsson was assessing conditions on the farm he came across a cattle barn and discovered a young pony collapsed in the filthy straw.
Carl after his rescue
He called a vet and the pony’s life was saved, and the vet team honoured Carl by nicknaming the pony after him.
Emma Tallentire, Equine Deputy Manager at RSPCA Felledge Equine Centre in Co Durham, has been caring for Carl with her team since he arrived after his rescue.
“When Carl arrived with us, he was a shadow of the pony he is today,” she said. “He’d been through such a lot before he was rescued. He was found collapsed, cold, lethargic and in poor condition – the inspector said he was likely just hours from death – so understandably, he wasn’t very trusting of people.
“We worked to build up Carl’s trust slowly, and allocated one groom in particular to work with him to have lots of 1-1 time. Over the following few months he grew in confidence, and now he’ll happily have his feet picked out and he enjoys being groomed. He’s come a long way and we’re really proud of him, he’s very sociable in the field and enjoys playing with his pony friends.
“Carl is coming up to two years old and standing at approximately 12hh, and still growing! He is a sweet pony and easy to look after, although it’s important that potential adopters know he can still be a little spooky and head shy, so we are looking for a knowledgeable person who is competent with young inexperienced horses so that they can continue his education and basic handling.”
Anyone who would like to offer Carl a home should contact Emma at RSPCA Felledge on 0300 1230724.
The person responsible for neglecting Carl was never traced.
