RSPCA Seeks Owner of Starved Pony Found With Dead Animals

RSPCA Cymru has launched an urgent appeal to find the owner of an emaciated pony and her foal who were discovered starving in a field alongside two dead ponies in Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale 🐴💔

The charity received a welfare report on 9th May and initially attempted a rescue the same day, working until dark. However, the operation had to be abandoned due to the unhandled nature of the ponies and specialist equipment requirements.

RSPCA Inspector Suzanne Smith explained: “The first rescue attempt posed too much of a risk due to environmental risks and also risks to the mare due to her poor condition. In the meantime we ensure they were monitored and we’re very thankful to the volunteers who provided hay, water and also checked on them until we were able to organise a specialist team and equipment to safely rescue her and her foal.”

Over the following weeks, volunteers monitored the pair whilst specialist arrangements were made. The mare managed to push through a fence onto derelict farmland with better grazing, which helped strengthen her condition.

Inspector Smith added: “Since our initial rescue attempt she had pushed through a fence onto derelict farmland since and this had better grazing so she has become much stronger. We’d like to thank all the volunteers for working with us, as it meant she was then in a better condition to cope with the stress of rescue and transport – giving her the best prognosis.”

A multi-agency rescue operation was successfully carried out on Wednesday 21st May, with assistance from HorseWorld, The British Horse Society and World Horse Welfare.

“The pony and her foal are now safe in charitable care and will receive the veterinary treatment and care they need,” Inspector Smith confirmed.

She emphasised the complex nature of such rescues: “It’s always difficult in such circumstances. Whilst we understand public frustration and that it may appear we are doing nothing – a lot of work is usually being done behind the scenes to resolve a situation – and with a number of organisations and other charities.”

The ponies, believed to be from nearby commons, were found in a private field. Anyone with information about their possible owner is urged to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident 01515234.