RSPCA warns of 'welfare catastrophe' as it deals with 173 calls to horses in distress across Hampshire

The animal welfare charity was called to 173 reports of horses in distress or a state of neglect since the nationwide shutdown began on March 23.

It comes as the charity launches Adoptober, its month-long drive to find homes for rescued animals, with three times as many horses in its care as a decade ago.

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA said: ‘Equine charities fear that autumn will create the perfect storm as grazing decreases, the end of furlough and the deepening recession will see more owners struggling with costs of care leading to neglect and abandonment, yet people have been continuing to breed horses despite Covid.’

‘Alongside this, equine rescues, already reporting a sharp drop in funds, may start to go under as the financial situation bites, which will increase the burden on the RSPCA.

‘We are calling on the government to step in with financial support as they have for other charities affected by the pandemic and recognise that the vital services provided by the animal welfare sector are under huge strain.’

The RSPCA’s animal welfare hotline can be reached on 0300 1234 999.

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