Horses will starve this winter, warns ISPCA

 

The ISPCA has issued a stark warning that many equines will starve this winter.  Neglect by owners who have not provided adequate feed and shelter, or have abandoned them during the harsh winter months are the main causes.

Campaigns like the ‘ISPCA Hay Drive’ help raise awareness and essential funds, so the ISPCA can rescue and rehabilitate the huge number of horses, ponies, donkeys and foals that need urgent care after being discarded and left to die.

This winter the ISPCA is urgently asking the Irish public who care about horses to text Hay to 50300 to donate €4 or make a monthly gift of €4 through our website (www.ispca.ie) which will buy a bale of hay and feed a neglected horse.

TV presenter Andrea Hayes and International Showjumper Gerard Clarke helped launch the 2014 Hay Drive at Royal County Equine, Ratoath supporting the ISPCA’s work.  A bale of hay can make all the difference!

 ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling said: “Last year the ISPCA saw a dramatic increase in the number of starving animals requiring the assistance of our Inspectors. The number of equines admitted to our rehabilitation Centres increased by over 100% compared with the previous year.  In 2013, the ISPCA received and responded to 1,933 equine distress calls related to cruelty, neglect or abuse to horses, ponies, foals and donkeys.  We are regularly stretched beyond capacity but, with your help, we can continue our vital work and help the most urgent cases that are in critical need of veterinary care”.

The ISPCA provides urgent care and rehabilitation to animals who have been victims of cruelty, neglect and abuse and during the winter months.  Animals need this help more than ever.  The ISPCA continues to call for strong enforcement of regulations governing identification of equines and the registration of premises where they are housed in order to promote responsible equine ownership.

Every text or online donation received helps the ISPCA deal with the daily realities of animal welfare.  One bale of hay can make a real difference!