Neglected mare and foal get new home

Apr 29 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

Steve Low owner of Barnston Riding Centre with manager Phil Jones (left) picking up the rescued horses Lady and Baby _320

TWO horses have been rescued by Wirral Council animal protection officers using new powers.

The horses, who the council said were in danger of dying from neglect, have now been given a new home.

The mare and her foal were brought to the attention of the animal welfare team by people in Meols about six weeks ago.

After inspecting the ponies, the owner was served a notice requiring him either to improve the conditions of the horses, or risk having them taken away.

Phil Dickson, environmental health manager, said: “We were extremely concerned about the poor condition of these animals when we discovered them.

“This is exactly the kind of case the new Act was brought in to help us with. The owner was given every opportunity to help his horses, but failed to do so, so it was good we could take positive action ourselves to safeguard the animals.”

Three weeks after the notice was served, the officer returned to find the ponies in a worse condition than before.

A vet agreed the risk to the horse’s welfare was so critical they needed to be rescued.

A temporary home and proper veterinary care were arranged, while officers obtained warrants from Wirral Magistrates to use the Animal Welfare Act to assume legal ownership of the horses and find them new homes.

Yesterday Philip Jones from Barnston Riding School officially took ownership of the horses and said they would be “pampered and looked after”.

He said: “Over the next few months you will see a big change in them.

“We have 35 horses here and they will join them. Horses are herd animals and like to be with other horses.”

Mr Dickson said: “The foal will spend the next three years or so in the company of other foals and will need to gain a lot more strength before it can be ridden, while its mother is likely to be given around six months to fully recover from her ordeal.”

liammurphy