{"piano":{"sandbox":"false","aid":"u28R38WdMo","rid":"R7EKS5F","offerId":"OF3HQTHR122A","offerTemplateId":"OTQ347EHGCHM"}}

Mare in ‘shocking case of animal neglect’ beats odds to deliver healthy foal


  • An abandoned horse found in a “very poor state” has given birth to a healthy foal.

    Roberta was malnourished and suffering from worms and lice when officers from Basildon Council in Essex found her. Her ribs, pelvis and spine were clearly visible and she was also pregnant.

    She was seized on 10 February from land at Courtauld Road in Basildon under the Control of Horses Act, which gives authorities the power to remove and detain fly-grazed horses.

    Less than a week later the council became Roberta’s official owner and handed her into the care of a horse sanctuary.

    “This was a shocking case of animal neglect. Roberta was in a very poor state of health when we found her,” said a council spokesman.

    In the early hours of 10 May, Roberta gave birth to a health colt who has been named “Buddy” (pictured) by council officers.

    Article continues below…

    You might also be interested in:

    “Thanks to the swift intervention of council officers using new powers to seize abandoned horses and the excellent work of the vet and the sanctuary she has made a fantastic recovery and has given birth to a healthy foal which is great news — Buddy really beat the odds,” added the spokesman.

    “The council would like to remind owners they have a duty to ensure their animals are properly treated and do not cause potential health and safety issues for the public by using the council’s parks and open spaces. Owners are also reminded to ensure their animals have appropriate welfare surroundings.”

    For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

    Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout major shows like London International and more with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

    You may like...