Horse welfare issue

[Accy cyclist]

It's been bugging me for weeks but the last few days it's really got to me! Some local scrap dealer has put four horses on a bit of land near to where i live. The horses are fastened to ropes and therefore they can only move in a circle of about 20 feet, They eat the grass then they're moved further down to repeat the process. They have water and local folk are feeding them carrots and stuff but they have no exercise or shelter. Last night was unusually cold but they were just stood their without those horsey coats i've seen. According to reports a few people have contacted the RSPCA and been told it's not an animal welfare issue as they aren't being mistreated.
If it wasn't for local folk looking out for them they'd be in a worse state, and i'm concerned that if a dog was to attack them they wouldn't be able to defend themselves. Any thoughts?

 

[blazed]

It doesn't sound like an issue. They have water, you say local people are feeding them but that is irrevelavnt as they are feeding themselves eating the grass. It's not too cold for the horse to be outside, horses can be turned out in sub zero temperature no problem.

 

[Accy cyclist]

It doesn't sound like an issue. They have water, you say local people are feeding them but that is irrevelavnt as they are feeding themselves eating the grass. It's not too cold for the horse to be outside, horses can be turned out in sub zero temperature no problem.

I'm concerned that although they're being fed they aren't being fed the proper stuff. Aren't they supposed to be fed horse pellets or something? I bet they aren't getting enough carbohydrates. They've been fastened up for a month or so without. Surely they need to run around every now and then?

 

[Racing roadkill]

Don't worry, horses are amazing


View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GUl9_5kK9ts

 

[Mattonsea]

Well done for stepping in , the RSPCA will not intervene unless they are starved and without water, which is a shame because tethering Pigs, Cows, Goats have been banned for years.
It is a cultural practice of some horse owners to tether horses on common land to graze , but it is cruel and as you stated unfair if they are attacked . I have tried to intervene before on this issue and have been offered a punch in the bracket!

 

[blazed]

I'm concerned that although they're being fed they aren't being fed the proper stuff. Aren't they supposed to be fed horse pellets or something? I bet they aren't getting enough carbohydrates. They've been fastened up for a month or so without. Surely they need to run around every now and then?

Horses need nothing other than grass to survive. Humans introduced other types of food, which may be healthier but isn't required. Most likely an active horse would need more than just grass.

Having grown up to parents who own horses and spent time at stables I don't think the horses particularly enjoy being kept in their small stable boxes, lots of horses frequently kick the doors and so a little box will be fitted which sprays the horse with water each time the door vibrates! I'm sure these horses are happier even on the 20ft rope than in their stable.

 

[Chromatic]

The only reason I can think of might be that the horse could have been laminitic?

Another possible reason is that the bloke was a complete nobber.

 

[Chromatic]

Is it bad form to claim one's own TMN or should one wait to be awarded it?

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Similar situation near my mother. Horses, not tethered, in a small field where the grass was well eaten and quite muddy in places. They did have a small shed in the corner and water. Lots of locals fed the horses and even reported to RSPCA. They did look quite forlorn, not helped by the winter weather. A sign eventually went up saying the RSPCA had been to inspect several times and all was "well".

So the only thing one can do, I think, is to campaign for new rules and have those enforced.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I go by four or five horses every day, the look fine and healthy to me, but I ain't no vet

 

[Accy cyclist]

Thanks for the replies. I feel at ease now about the horses food situation but i'm still concerned about them being attacked by dogs or even humans. I just hope they have a very strong and well directed kick on them.

 

[Saluki]

We have a permanent gypsy camp not more than a couple of miles from us and there are a lot of horses, tethered pretty much as described. They get moved about fairly often, always water within reach and generally shade too. As the horses are very close to the Marriotts Way, they do get their fair share of dogs go for a bit of a bark and a nip but, generally speaking, after the horse has let go with both back hooves, the dogs decided that it's probably not their best idea ever and leave the horses alone.

 

[screenman]

RSPCA get off their backside and do something, I have more chance of winning the lottery tonight and I have not bought a ticket. I could write a page and more of my attempted dealing with them, none good.

 

[Accy cyclist]

RSPCA get off their backside and do something, I have more chance of winning the lottery tonight and I have not bought a ticket. I could write a page and more of my attempted dealing with them, none good.

Tell them the tv cameras are about, That usually motivates them to do something.

 

[jefmcg]

These animals are clearly much better off that than any factory farmed animals. If factory farming is legal, then I can't see how the RSPCA could intervene here.

Horses are more beautiful and less tasty** than pigs, but they are also less intelligent. None of these facts make them more or less protected under the law.