There has been an horrific attack on a horse in the West Midlands
over the past weekend. The horse was slashed twice in the neck and
had to receive stitches for his wounds. Thankfully, it appears that
he will make a full recovery, but a previous horse from the same yard
was not so lucky when fatally attacked at the beginning of this year.
It is hard to imagine why anyone would harm an animal in such a way,
but as they have done so, it is important for horse owners to do all
they can to protect their horses. NeighNet offers the following advice:
- Check your horse on frequent occasions, if possible at varying
times of the day.
- Get neighbours to keep an eye out for you and ask them to call
if they see anyone strange hanging around.
- Fit electric fencing to deter attackers from fields.
- Install a CCTV system, or at least a dummy system, as a deterrent.
Despite these precautions, many past reported attacks on horses have
been at places where the security is quite high. The police response
to these attacks has been poor, mainly due to a lack of resources
and horses being a low priority.
Somebody must know those who are responsible for the attacks, and
if public awareness of the problem is heightened, maybe the seriousness
of the situation will be realised and the culprits brought to justice.
Now for your views. Do you know of any attacks recently or in the
past? How were they dealt with by the police? Do you have any ideas
for helping to prevent future attacks?
Please feel free to discuss your views on our
'Horse Care' discussion board. |
