An equine vets is urging horse owners to check their fencing to ensure their animals are safely secured within their fields.
The plea follows news of several horses being killed in collisions after breaking free from their grazing and straying onto roads.
Recent wet and stormy weather has damaged fence structures and left many boundaries weakened. This, coupled with reduced grass during the winter months, can make break-outs more likely.
Five horses were killed and three injured after breaking free from their fields in Hampshire earlier this month, prompting Animed Equine Vets to speak out.
“In an unprecedented week […] we would like to encourage everyone to take some time to check the viability of their field fencing,” they said. “It is possible that a combination of wet stormy weather damaging fences and limited grazing at this time of year causing hungry horses to push their way out of fields looking for more grass is contributing to these events occurring.
“For the sake of our beloved equines and the innocent drivers who are involved in these events, and often unable to do anything to avoid them, please have a walk around your field boundary and ensure everything is as it should be.”
The vets shared their warning in a post on Facebook earlier this month. The post has been shared more than 500 times and attracted hundreds of comments.
The British Horse Society (BHS) recommends that fencing should be inspected daily.
“When selecting any fencing ensure it is safe and sufficiently strong,” the BHS website states. “It is important to note that if your horse escapes from their pasture because of inadequate or unsafe field boundaries you may be liable for any damage caused. Be cautious where hedgerows are used as the sole boundary as they can become weak and require reinforcement.”
