Online campaign demands RSPCA intervention

A social media campaign is calling for the RSPCA to rescue a number of ponies living in squalid conditions on a traveller site.

Emaciated foal

A photograph of an emaciated foal tied up tightly, with a bit in his mouth, has been shared on Twitter and Facebook. The youngster is one of many horses and dogs at the traveller site in Esholt, which is owned by Bradford council.

According to a petition, demanding the animals are removed, “bitches are bred incessantly and the horses are tethered so tightly they can’t turn their heads”.

The petition has nearly reached its target of 16,000 signatures, which will then be sent to BradfordCouncil’s environmental health managerJeff Lawrence.

Inspector visits

The RSPCA has released a statement in response to the campaign, stating they also “share the concerns of the public”.

Inspectors have been to the traveller’s site several times to check on the welfare of the animals there. The most recent visit was on Monday 21 March and the charity has said it will make further visits over the next few days.

‘Serious concerns

“The RSPCA has serious concerns about the welfare of the horse in the image which is circulating on social media,” the statement said.

”Our officers have yet to see a youngster as depicted in the photographs. Contrary to the postings on social media, we do not think it is okay for any equine to be broken in like this.

“We cannot go into details of an ongoing investigation but we want to reassure the public we are doing all we can to help these horses. We are reviewing all the new information that has come into us and are taking this extremely seriously.”