A multi-team effort seen horses that were stranded in water rescued earlier this week. Welfare officers and the emergency services worked together to ensure the safety of the three stranded horses in a flooded field in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.
The RSPCA, Animals In Need, a vet and Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue had been monitoring the horses closely since concerns were first reported on Tuesday morning (26 November.)
Heavy rainfall had resulted in flooding in the area, but the field on Turnells Mill Lane where the horses are kept, was particularly hard hit, with the water level almost touching the horse’s bellies, posing a serious risk to their welfare.
An attempt was made by the teams to secure the horses on Tuesday afternoon (27 Nov) but due to the conditions it was not possible so the situation was closely monitored. Overnight the water level reduced revealing areas of dry standing, and the RSPCA has this morning been able to provide the horses with hay and forage.
An RSPCA Inspector for the Northamptonshire area will now continue to monitor the horses, and the charity is also trying to contact the owner of the horses to ensure their safety going forward.
RSPCA Inspector Jason Finch, National Water Rescue Coordinator at the RSPCA said: “I’m very pleased to say that currently, the horses are now safe and well as the water level has reduced and revealed dry areas for them to stand, and we were able to provide them with some hay this morning – which they seemed very grateful for!
“We want to thank everyone who was concerned about the horses and reported them to us, and hope they are reassured that collectively we carefully monitored them over the last few days to make sure we could do everything we can to help them if needed.
“The horses are not well-handled which posed a challenge for us, and a vet was present to offer advice, but thankfully, we are confident that the horses are no longer at immediate risk.”
The charity relies on public support to help it continue its life-saving work and is calling on supporters to Join the Christmas Rescue so officers can reach more animals in need during the busy winter period.
“Don’t put your own life or another’s life in danger to attempt an animal rescue and call us for help in an emergency.” He concluded.
RSPCA tips for pet owners during heavy rainfall and flood risk
● Plan your escape route and keep contact details of people who can help you move your animals in an emergency;
● Ensure you can be contacted in an emergency – if you have horses or livestock in field attach your contact details to gates so you can be contacted;
● Make sure you have suitable carriers available for small animals and keep a supply of food in case of evacuation;
● Bring small animals inside and, if possible, upstairs, and move food, bedding etc somewhere dry;
● Put important documents in sealed bag along with photo of pet incase they get lost and ensure microchip details are up-to-date and registered;
● Move livestock and horses to high ground and ensure you have emergency feed and water supplies;
● If you have to leave your animals behind, leave them inside an upstairs room with plenty of food and water. Leave notices on the outside doors to say there are animals inside and contact us or your local Flood Warden immediately to arrange rescue.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.