Abandoned pony leads to plea for equine identification

By Justine Thompson

General news

15 March 2010 11:28

An equine charity is asking horse owners to ensure their animals have suitable identification, after taking in a healthy and well-cared-for pony found tied to a fence.

The 13.2hh cob was found tied up in Buckinghamshire, and was taken to the Blue Cross equine centre in Burford by the RSPCA.

Following an unsuccessful appeal for the owner to come forward the gelding has now been signed over to The Blue Cross and named Hugo by centre staff.

He is being assessed but is in good condition and used to being handled, so the charity hopes to eventually rehome him through their loan scheme.

Vicki Alford, equine centre manager at The Blue Cross, Burford said: ”We are unsure if it was intentional, accidental or an unfortunate misdeed that this pony was so sadly abandoned but it is highly likely that someone is devastated by his disappearance.

“This could have been so easily prevented had the pony been clearly and permanently identified with a microchip or freezemark, which would have enabled the owner to be traced quickly and efficiently.”
To find out more or make a donation to the charity, visit www.bluecross.org.uk.