The RSPCA are appealing for information after a pony was dumped in somebody’s backyard in Stoke-on-Trent.
Together with Word Horse Welfare, the animal welfare charity is appealing for information after the pony was left in backyard of a house on Ford Green Road last week.
The shocked homeowner, unsure what to do with the pony, contacted World Horse Welfare who also asked RSPCA to attend.
RSPCA Inspector Rachel Melvin checked the horse over, who has been named Mr Melvin Andrews and is now in the care of World Horse Welfare.
Inspector Melvin, said: “You couldn’t make this up! A 13-year old girl responded to a plea on an online free ads site where a lady said she didn’t want the pony anymore and that he would be put to sleep if no one had him. She gave her nan’s address and the next thing that happened was a man just came along and dumped the pony there, no words of advice or anything like that.
“We don’t know where the poor pony came from but he clearly was not treated well before being abandoned. We have come to a dead end in trying to find further information, so are appealing for anybody who can help us.”
Last month, the RSPCA revealed that the number of horses rescued y the charity has reached a four-year high, as the equine crisis continues to have devastating consequences.
The charity’s annual Cruelty Statistics revealed that nearly 1,000 horses were rescued by the charity from cruelty, suffering and neglect last year, and a staggering 928 horses are currently in the charity’s care.
Inspector Melvin said that she hopes this is not the start of a new trend. “We’re seeing sick or young ponies being dumped and abandoned when their owners no longer want them, and it would be a worry if online free ad sites are used in this way.”
Anyone who has any information should call the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018 or World Horse Welfare on 08000 480180.
