06 May 2016

Eleven horses and a foal rescued from Llangynidr Common, South Wales

On Tuesday 26th April 2016, we assisted RSPCA Cymru and Powys County Council to remove eleven horses and a foal from Llangynidr Common.

A team of eight Redwings staff attended to both assess the condition of the horses and round up the group.

Concerns for the welfare of the horses had been raised previously following which our Head of Welfare and Behaviour Nic de Brauwere together with RSPCA inspector Christine McNeil attended the site prior to the rescue operation to assess them.

During the rescue and following clinical assessment by Redwings’ welfare vet Nicola Berryman and an external vet, three horses were subject to welfare concerns and the RSPCA are subsequently appealing for information to find their owner.

All horses were removed on authority of the Powys County Council using the Control of Horses (Wales) Act.

“The horses were removed as a group so as not to divide family units,” explains Nicola. “Some of the horses were subject to animal welfare offences and were in a state of suffering meaning they were not likely to survive if left to fend for themselves on the common”.

Since their rescue, all horses have been signed over into our permanent care and will therefore have a home for life at the Sanctuary.

Commenting on the rescue, Redwings Chief Executive Lynn Cutress said: “We have been working to help horses on the Welsh commons for many years and although our Sanctuary is fit to bursting we are delighted to be able to offer this group a home.

“We also hope those that are fit and well enough will be able to find loving homes outside the Sanctuary through our rehoming programme, which will in turn enable us to continue to help more horses in need. However, those who cannot be rehomed will always have a happy forever home at Redwings”.

Following the Llangynidr Common rescue, we assisted the RSPCA and Caerphilly County Council in the removal of eight horses from Gelligaer Common. These horses are subject to welfare concerns and therefore currently under the care of the RSPCA while investigations into their ownership are carried out.

You can support the care of the eleven horses and foal rescued from Llangynidr Common by donating below.

For more information about Redwings’ rehoming programme, click here.

If you have any information regarding the ownership of the horses, please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.