The RSPCA is appealing for information about a mare and foal who were taken from their field in Caerphilly, just days before they were going to be adopted.
Piebald mare Tulip and her foal Pippa, who is just 11 weeks old, had been in foster care near Caerphilly, since they were rescued from neglect in December 2021. The pair were about to be officially adopted by the farm owners.
The foster carers arrived at the field on 30 August at around 7.30am to check on Tulip and Pippa but found the paddock empty and the gate forced open.
“We are extremely worried about Tulip and Pippa and we are very keen to find out where they are as quickly as possible,” said RSPCA Special Operations Officer Kirsty Withnall.
“Understandably, their foster carers are heartbroken. They took Tulip into their care after she was rescued from neglect, and gave her a peaceful, comfortable place to have her foal. Since Pippa was born, they have formed a really strong bond with both mare and foal, so much so that they asked to officially adopt them both. It’s extremely sad as both ponies are very friendly and easy to handle, so they would have likely been trusting of whoever took them.”
Both Tulip and her filly foal Pippa are piebald cob-type ponies. Tulip is approximately seven-years-old and 13hh. Tulip and her foal are both microchipped.
“It’s vital we find these two ponies and so we’re asking people to be vigilant, and especially those in the equine community, to keep their eyes peeled and please contact us as soon as possible if they have any information,” added Kirsty.
Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.
A Gwent Police spokesperson has confirmed that they have a report regarding an allegation of theft involving two horses and enquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, can call Gwent Police on 101 or send a direct message to the service’s social media channels, quoting log reference 2200294810,” they added.
