'Losing fight' over Dudley horses left tethered
Charity animal welfare officers say they are facing a "losing battle" against horse owners who leave their animals on a nature reserve in Dudley.
RSPCA inspector Jackie Hickman claims it is becoming increasingly difficult to ensure the care and safety of the animals because of the challenge of tracking down the owners. About 40 horses are left tethered at Fens Pool Nature Reserve in Pensnett – but Insp Hickman says many are not microchipped or do not have passports, making it almost impossible to find out where they are from or who owns them.
In response, the RSPCA and Dudley Council are urging owners to get their horses microchipped and passported in a bid to assist the animals' welfare.
The call comes after a family of three admitted cruelty to four horses on the nature reserve at Dudley Magistrates' Court last week.
Walter Hickman, aged 52, Amanda Hickman, 49 and their son Kevin, 23, of Wallows Road in Brierley Hill, pleaded guilty of more than 50 charges in relation to the horses.
This week, RSPCA Insp Hickman told the Express & Star: "This was a case where we were able to track down the horse owners – but in all too many cases we are unable to do so.
"When concerned about a horse's welfare left at Fens Pool we leave a tag on the animal asking for the owners to call, but often you come back and the tag has gone and you have heard nothing.
"And with no microchip or passport it becomes impossible to talk to the owner about the horse.
"It's a frustrating situation which can make you feel like you are in a losing battle.
"In extreme cases, where the horse is judged to be suffering, we use our powers to take the animal away, even if we cannot track the owners.
"But it shouldn't be like this, I'd urge any owner to get their animal chipped for everyone's sake."
People living in Brierley Hill have a history of keeping horses and ponies.
"But because the owners lack space in their homes and gardens, they often leave them tethered on public areas such as Fens Pool.
It is estimated there are between 30 and 40 horses kept on the nature reserve. Insp Hickman added: "We do hear stories about people feeling emotional about the horses' fate and offering to buy them to take them off Fens Pool nature reserve.
"But is it really rescue when the owner will just bring another horse along to replace them?
"They are buying them for about £10 and selling them for £100."
Dudley Councillor Tracy Wood, cabinet member for environment and culture, also urged horse owners to get their animals chipped.
She said: "Whilst it would be desirable, when dealing with irresponsible horse owners, it is not easy to ensure all horses are chipped as the owners are often untraceable.
"However, in all instances where we have been involved in collecting horses off the road and an owner has then come forward, we always carry out checks to see if the horse has been chipped and, if they are not, we ensure the horse is chipped before the owner can reclaim the horse."
