RSPCA chief fears ‘horse welfare catastrophe’ and pleads for Government help

News that the UK is likely to endure a prolonged recession will make a huge and damaging impact on most people’s lives. In turn, that will have a knock-on effect for many animals, too.

The RSPCA has said it fears a “horse welfare catastrophe” because of the economic downturn. The charity is expecting more horses to be abandoned or neglected in the coming months and is urging people who are looking to take on a horse to think about adopting one.

Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the RSPCA says: “Equine charities fear that as grazing decreases and the recession deepens we will see more owners struggling with costs of care leading to neglect and abandonment. Alongside this, equine rescues, already reporting a sharp drop in funds, may start to go under as the financial situation bites, which will increase the burden on the RSPCA.

“We are calling on the Government to step in with financial support as they have for other charities affected by the pandemic and recognise that the vital services provided by the animal welfare sector are under huge strain.”