‘Heartbroken’ foster carers found field empty on Tuesday morning (30.08.22)
The RSPCA is appealing for information about a mare and foal who were taken from their field in Caerphilly, just days before they were about to be adopted.
Piebald mare Tulip and her foal Pippa, who is just 11 weeks old, had been in foster care near Caerphilly, since they were rescued from neglect in December 2021. The pair were about to be officially adopted by the farm owners.
The foster carers arrived at the field yesterday morning (30 August) at around 7.30am to check on Tulip and Pippa but found the paddock empty and the gate forced open.
RSPCA Special Operations Officer Kirsty Withnall said: “We are extremely worried about Tulip and Pippa and we are very keen to find out where they are as quickly as possible.
“Understandably, their foster carers are heartbroken. They took Tulip into their care after she was rescued from neglect, and gave her a peaceful, comfortable place to have her foal. Since Pippa was born, they have formed a really strong bond with both mare and foal, so much so that they asked to officially adopt them both. It’s extremely sad as both ponies are very friendly and easy to handle, so they would have likely been trusting of whoever took them.”
Both Tulip and her filly foal Pippa are piebald cob-type ponies. Tulip is approximately seven-years-old and 13hh. Tulip and her foal are both microchipped.
Kirsty, who is experienced in investigating equine cases for the RSPCA, added: “It’s vital we find these two ponies and so we’re asking people to be vigilant, and especially those in the equine community, to keep their eyes peeled and please contact us as soon as possible if they have any information.”
Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA in complete confidence on 0300 1234 999.
A Gwent Police spokesperson has confirmed that they have a report regarding an allegation of theft involving two horses and enquiries are ongoing.
They added: “Anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, can call Gwent Police on 101 or send a direct message to the service’s social media channels, quoting log reference 2200294810.”
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit the website or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.
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.