Two coloured cobs who were abandoned in poor health on rented land have been taken in by the Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA).
Maximus and Bruno’s owners “vanished without a trace”, leaving them to fend for themselves in the field where they live. When it became apparent that the owners had disappeared, the landowners did their best to look after the two geldings, but struggled to meet their needs.
A neighbour contacted HAPPA to explain the situation and the charity sent an equine inspector to help.
“What the attending equine inspector found, on responding to the call for help, was heartbreaking, two horses, abandoned and in desperate need of professional care,” said Amanda Berry, HAPPA’s head of equine operations.
A second chance
“Using the Control of Horses Act 2015, we were able to step in and bring them both to safety. Their hooves were overgrown, their teeth needed urgent attention, and they were both overweight from a poor diet.
“But despite everything they had been through, their spirits remained strong. Now, they’re beginning their journey to recovery with our expert equine care team looking after them every step of the way.”
HAPPA is optimistic that the 12-year-old cobs will both make a full recovery and be able to find their forever homes through the charity’s rehoming scheme in due course.
‘Abandonment epidemic’
The charity is however, extremely concerned about the rise in abandonment cases.
Last month, it reported a 33% increase in the number of horses seized due to owners being unable to cope as result of the cost of living crisis.
“Their [Max and Bruno’s] story is a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with owning horses,” said a HAPPA spokesperson.
“Abandoning animals not only leaves them vulnerable, but also places a heavy burden on those left to care for them. At HAPPA, we’re here to make sure no horse is forgotten, but we can’t do it alone.
“Horse abandonment is on the rise, HAPPA is facing an abandonment epidemic, the charity will continue to be a safety net for those that need them the most.”
‘At our wits end’
It comes as equine charities warn they are “at our wits end” and face more financial hardship after Labour announced its budget.
They warned it could negatively impact horse care and welfare as the increasing costs the charities face coupled with less income due to declining donations “do not add up”.
“With yet another increase in minimum pay and a hefty hike in National Insurance we are at our wits end as to how we will raise the money to cover this when our income is spiralling downwards. We can’t pass any costs on as we are not a business,” added Sue Burton, founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary in Essex.
Main image © HAPPA
