Charity warns financial recession could lead to 'equine crisis' in Derbyshire

The RSPCA was called about more than 655 equine incidents in Derbyshire last year – the highest in the Midlands – sparking fears that more sick horses will be dumped across the region due to a financial crisis unfolding in 2020.

Since lockdown, the charity has received 38 reports about horses in Derbyshire, but fears much worse is to come if, as expected, the Covid crisis sparks a UK and global recession.

Equine welfare charities are already under immense strain, following the horse crisis which was sparked off by the 2008 financial crash and the sector is extremely concerned about the welfare repercussions for horses in the months ahead with an estimated 7,000 horses at risk of suffering.

Christine McNeil, the charity’s National Equine Inspectors co-ordinator, said: “This is a truly worrying time for equine charities - we still haven’t got a handle on the repercussions of the current horse crisis, and it now looks like the worst is yet to come.

“In April 2011, before the effects of the financial recession had hit, the RSPCA had 290 horses in its care, already more than our official stables could house.

“The following year, the impact of the crisis really began to hit and our officers were called out every day up and down the country to neglected and abandoned horses.

“By May 2012, the number of horses in our care had leapt to 600. Fast-forward to today, and we’re caring for 927 horses – that’s three times the amount since the crisis hit, and we strongly fear that the impact will be even worse this time round.”

The RSPCA is appealing for vital donations to help it prepare for an influx of horses and ponies desperately in need of help.

Christine added: “The public’s help is absolutely vital to keep the RSPCA afloat during this extremely difficult time.”

Visit www.rspca.org.uk/covid for more information or to donate.