What would you do?

[meandmyself]

For the past couple of days, I've been driving past a cob type in a small paddock. The paddock looks like it's just bare mud, and I've never seen any hay/water. There looks to be no shelter. Pony is alone. Pony looks a bit rough, but it's hard to get a good look because I'm usually driving.

Now, that doesn't mean that said cob isn't getting fed/watered/put up- it's hard to tell, because there's nowhere to stop. (Duel carriageway.)

I'm starting to think that it should be reported. Just not sure who I'd report it to. I'm in Cleveland, if that helps.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

I'd try to visit at different times of the day if possible. It may be that the horse is being properly cared for, maybe needs a restricted diet for some reason. If you're local to the area, you could do some sleuthing to find out who owns the field/pony. There are many members on this Forum who have happy healthy horses but well meaning members of the public have reported them to RSPCA, ILPH etc for an APPARENT lack of care. It can be intensely irritating I guess but the way I see it, better a phone call where the pony turned out to be perfectly fine than to look the other way and do nothing and bingo you've got another Amersham.

 

[missyme10]

I personally think it would be premature to make a report to the authorities. Obviously there is another road near this field because its highly unlikely the entrance is on the dual carriage way.
See if you can find it on a map and find out a bit more, it may be closer up the horse is a decent weight, suggesting it is being fed and looked after. If you are still concerned, then as you go past on a regular basis, keep an eye on the horse for weight loss. If so, then is the time to make the call to the authorities.

The field being mud doesn't mean its not being looked after, with the recent snow and ice staying for so long, our fields are becoming so trashed they are starting to resemble mud baths, my 2 that live out have the big bales of haylage put in, so I know they are ok, but there is no grazing left. Nothing to do with neglect, just very crap weather and the YO running out of options land wise !

 

[Dubsie]

I wonder what time of day you drive past?....if the cob is a good do-er/quick eater then any hay put out would be polished off immediately. Could it be that the owner comes after you commute past to replenish his hay, and by the time you reappear it's all gone?

I think you would need to stop, walk back and look more closely and check there's water, what shelter there is, and body score the cob before reporting. RSPCA were complaining of too many time wasting calls in the recent snow.

 

[king_of_diamonds]

I agree with the others. It would be a bit premature to go and report already if you only drive past at a set time each day.

If your concerned, I'd recommend trying to stop in by the field and get a wee look around. Scout for water and even any signs of hay. Maybe if the owner just putes a pile, there will be some mucky and in the ground somewhere? Then the water, look out for a drinker or a bucket, whatever it may be in. And then finally the condition of the horses in question along with any shelter there may be.

If you scout the place find more concerning sights, try reporting them with the information you have. There is no point in wasting the time of the authority you report to, they are likely over run at the moment so would appreciate the help. It's best to be prepared and make sure there is cause for concern before reporting.