RSPCA Cymru has thanked the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service for their help rescuing a bay horse who became trapped up a very narrow, fence-lined, public right of way in Llandough.
The equine escaped through a broken fence in a field on Pen-Y-Turnpike Road – and made the short journey of 150 metres through woodland to the lane. The animal had no room to turn – and is understood to have been stuck there overnight amid thunderstorms.
RSPCA Cymru enlisted the support of the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service to help the horse. Firefighters removed a stile at the end of the path, allowing them to effectively do a three-point turn with the animal and walk him back to the field he had escaped from. The stile was then rebuilt, with the rescue taking place on Saturday (23 May).
Officers from the RSPCA have urged anyone with information about who may own the horse to contact them. The animal welfare charity has been told the horse is in the field without permission, and fears another welfare issue if the animal escapes again and returns to the narrow lane as before.
Under the Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014, local authorities can take action to deal with fly-grazed horses on public places without lawful authority, or private land without the occupier’s consent.
The horse is one of three based in the field – all of whom look healthy. However, the field is not fit for use with the equines unsecure and a “repeat episode” of this incident very possible. The rescued bay horse is accompanied in the field by two grey ponies.
RSPCA inspector Simon Evans said: “This poor horse was completely stuck down a very narrow passageway – which only one person could safely walk down. The animal was unable to turn around, and was scraping his head on brambles.
“We’re really grateful to firefighters from the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service – who were able to help us coming to this horse’s aid; dismantling a stile to allow the horse to be turned around and safely led out.
“A temporary repair has been made to the fence the horse escaped through – but we’re worried about a repeat episode, which could place the welfare of this, and two other horses at the location, in jeopardy again. We understand the three horses are there without permission, and we’re eager to find an owner to avoid more welfare problems.
“If anyone has any information about three otherwise healthy horses reportedly left unattended on fields on Pen-Y-Turnpike Road, we urge them to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018. Any information could help ensure another welfare concern does not arise, as the field they are in is both inappropriate and potentially dangerous.”
A spokesperson for the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service said: “The horse was very relaxed and seemed to enjoy his little trip out of the field – and certainly enjoyed the food provided by the firefighters!”
