RSPCA launches horse foster homes appeal
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has launched an emergency appeal to find foster homes for approximately 270 young horses which are too young to be safely ridden after a sharp rise in the number of cases requiring their attention. The RSPCA is currently caring for 600 horses and ponies which have suffered from cruelty or neglect, which is double the total number of horses in its care during April 2011.
Commenting, Equine Rehoming Officer Sally Learoyd said “I’ve heard of young horses being sold for £5 – less than the price of a bottle of wine. I’ve heard of horses being bought and sold in pubs and we’ve come across a case of someone keeping a horse on a tower block balcony and feeding it on kitchen scraps. We have a never-ending tide of young horses coming into our centres. Fostering our youngsters is a way that horse lovers can help us with this problem.”
Potential foster carers need to have experience of grazing and handling horses, and must be in a position to take a young horse in for a minimum period of six months. An application form can be found at the appeal's website here or can be requested by ringing 0300 123 8000.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
