Is there anything I can do?

GeeGeeboy

GeeGeeboy

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I know of a pony that is going to be kept in his stable 24/7 over the winter. He is not broken so will not even get out to be exercised and the grazing that he has been on is no longer available until Spring. I think the only time he'll get out is when he's being mucked out but I'm not sure that even happens every day. This is cruelty in my view but am I right in thinking that if this was reported to the R.S.P.C..A there's not much they can do as the pony has food and water? Couldn't sleep last night thinking about this poor animal, it's no quality of life for a horse.
 
You are absolutely right, that is no life for any horse, let alone ayoungster. i doubt if the RSPCA would do anything but in the past I have found that Redwings are very good at educating dozy owners.
Why on earth isn't the owner looking for different grazing, or even grass livery so that the youngster can learn to be a horse within a herd?
 
Sorry, didn't make it too clear, pony is not a youngster, just in-broken and has always been kept alone but at least he used to get out .
 
I agree, that's awful. Even more so if kept alone. Worth giving the charities a ring to see if they'll have a chat with the owner. As well as redwings try whw.
 
How do you know the owner is not looking for alternative grazing? Are you sure the horse isn't being led out, lunged etc instead? You need to be sure you know the facts before accusing someone of cruelty. It's not ideal but I doubt it would be classed as cruelty if the animal is otherwise well cared for. Like the others have said a charity may be able to offer some advice if the owner is not very knowledgable.
 
I guess that its worth taking advice but if the pony is being cared for on a basic level (if not on a mental level) I cant see much being done

If you know the owner perhaps you could check the details and see if you can offer advice as you say you 'think' the only time out of the stable the pony will have is when its mucked out so its possible there is more information you arent aware of
 
I'm sorry but I highly doubt any charities will do anything.

I knew a mare and foal a few years back, when we had a really hot summer. They were kept in the 'fatty' paddock as it was only one with non-electric fencing. The field had no shelter and they were out on it 24/7 despite there being NO grass. They also had a tub for water which was always empty.

Me and a fellow livery couldn't stand by and watch the poor mare go into decline (she was mostly stood over the empty water butt) and we took it upon ourselves to put hay and water out everyday as the owner would only roll up every so often!!!

Someone (must have been another livery) called RSPCA but because they had food and water, they wouldn't do anything. So we had option of leaving mare and foal with nothing so owner could get prosecuted or putting hay and water in ourselves, despite knowing it meant owner was getting away with treating them cruelly. We chose latter as I refused to see that poor mare stood over an empty water butt!!!

To be fair to the charities though, they are rather restricted by law because if the animals basic needs are being met, despite the vast majority of us disagreeing with the management methods, there is little they can do.
 
WelshD said:
I guess that its worth taking advice but if the pony is being cared for on a basic level (if not on a mental level) I cant see much being done
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As I said above, I have experience of Redwings educating an owner who had no idea about the best way to keep a particular horse. They came out, had a quiet word, no threats to remove horse or take the owner to court but sensible, achievable advice was given. the advice was followed, some changes were made and the result was a much happier horse (and neighbours).
 
Walrus-the owner doesn't know how to lunge so I doubt that will be happening. As for saying that I should get my facts straight before I accuse any one of cruelty, I know for a fact that this horse will not be getting lunged or led out .
 
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