What should I do? Major problem

[inamuddle]

My horses field has one side facing out on a local/country road which can be quite busy with traffic and pedestrians. I have never had any issues in the past, in fact my horse adored the attention. Recently when I went to bring him in from the field, he was clearly distressed and displayed uncharacteristic behaviour. On closer inspection of the field, I found pebbles and gravel scattered around his field. My initial thought was people were throwing it at him, which I hoped wasn't really the case but that was the only conclusion I could come to.

Today I caught three people throwing gravel and pebbles from the edge of the road at him, and even some larger stones I was furious, but then I saw they were three people with physical and mental handicaps. I know the house they come from, but I had never seen them venture this way before hence why I had never had problems in the past.

They are aged between 15 - 25 I presume, and they all have clear handicaps. Their parents also have clear mental disabilities so how on earth can I stop this going on? Would they have some sort of government person coming to their house to assist them as such and perhaps I could talk with them? I'm worried my horse will get hurt, but I know it would be of no use talking to the parents.

Thank you all.

 

[chilworth23]

Is there any way you can kinda fence him in more, maybe put up at warning sign to say any abuse, stone throwing, damage etc will be reported to the police?

 

[thatsmygirl]

If you caught them in the act I hope you said something there and than to them?? They may have a disability ( mine is spelling |o| ) but I'm sure they still know the difference between right and wrong. Trying to fence him away from the gate is a good idea but I would seriously have a word with the people you caught. If they were that bad they would have a full time carer with them

 

[chestnut cob]

Is it your field or are you on livery? It can be difficult to do much if it's livery but if it's your own field I would invest in some quick-growing hedging plants to put around the edge, just inside the field. In the meantime, maybe put electric fencing up to keep him away from the fence. I think only a physical barrier will be enough to prevent anyone getting to him.

 

[maletto]

Handicap or no handicap - throwing stones at an animal is not ok!!

I agree with Sammi&Leigha - put up a sign on the fence and the next time you see them, I'd have no qualms with going over and asking them why they are throwing stones at your horse. Maybe take someone with you?

What a nightmare for you and your poor horse

 

[joeanne]

Have a word with your local community police officer and explain whats happening and get him to have a word. Coming from someone in authority might be whats needed, and they can also get in touch with the social worker or assistance that help these people.

 

[NeverSayNever]

regardless of disability, they must be told this is wrong.

phone up your local social work office as they are bound to have a care worker and sw involvement of some sort. They should be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[spaniel]

Do exactly what you would do if they were able minded/ able bodied. If they are living within the community they live by the community standards of behaviour. Tiny children know the difference between right and wrong, being disabled is not an excuse.

Visit the parents and tell them if this happens again you will involve the police.

 

[3DE]

Oh that's dreadful. I'd get the police involved as where will this escalate to if left unchecked?

Keep us updated x

 

[Dobby]

Disabled or not, this is totally wrong and their parents/carers should be made aware, if it doesn't stop - put in a report to the police. Either that or it carries on.

 

[ecarylloh]

Ditto what everyone else has said. There is no excuse for animal cruelty.

 

[JaneyP]

I work with children and young adults with learning difficulties and believe me every single one of those children know right from wrong. As will the individuals that are throwing stones at your horse.

There will be a social worker assigned to the family maybe give social services a call tomorrow and see if they can help. And i would take up the opinion on contacting your community policeman.

They will know what they are doing is no right and a little visit from a policeman will re afffirm this. xx

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I'm another who thinks that contacting your local PCSO is the best way forward. They will know of this family already, I'm sure. I'm not sure that you would get very far with Social Services because of the confidentiality issues involved.

 

[Pebbles]

^^that^^

 

[abbieandfiona]

I'm another who thinks that contacting your local PCSO is the best way forward. They will know of this family already, I'm sure. I'm not sure that you would get very far with Social Services because of the confidentiality issues involved.

Same as above, social services cant tell you anything go via the PCSO who can get in contact with social services as well.