Redwings Horse Sanctuary has rescued 12 horses from a common in South Wales following concerns for their welfare.
The equine welfare charity, along with RSPCA Cymru and Powys County Council, rounded up 11 horses and a foal from Llangynidr Common.
“The 3,500-acre common meant the operation did indeed prove quite a challenge,” said Redwings’ vet Nicola Berryman.
“But it is a real testament to our senior field officer Julie Harding and her team that we were able to round up and load the horses in a calm and controlled manner — especially when considering the horses’ condition and that they were largely unhandled.”
Prior to the roundup, RSPCA inspector Christine McNeil and Redwings’ senior vet and head of welfare and behaviour Nic de Brauwere visited the common to assess the group.
All horses were removed on the authority of Powys County Council, using the Control of Horses (Wales) Act.
They have now been signed over into the permanent care of Redwings.
“Some of the horses were subject to animal welfare offences and were in a state of suffering meaning they were not likely to survive if left to fend for themselves on the common,” said Ms Berryman.
“The horses were removed as a group so as not to divide family units.”
The charity’s chief executive Lynn Cutress said she hopes to find homes for those that are fit and well enough.
“However, for those who cannot be rehomed, they will always have a happy forever home within the safety of our sanctuary,” she added.
“We have been working to help horses on the Welsh commons for many years and I’d like to say a huge well done to my team for their fantastic work in this rescue operation.”
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Following the Llangynidr Common rescue, Redwings assisted the RSPCA and Caerphilly County Council in removing eight horses from Gelligaer Common.
These horses are in the care of the RSPCA and investigations into their ownership are ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the ownership of the horses, call the RSPCA on 0300 1234999.
