Ponies found with shockingly overgrown hooves

Two ponies have been seized under the Animal Health and Welfare Act after being found with shockingly overgrown hooves.

Horrendouscruelty

ISPCA (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal) Inspector Lisa O’Donovan was called to a field in the Dunmanway region of County Cork on 5 November, where she found were two mares.

Both had very long hooves but the grey’s were so long they curled up towards her legs and she was clearly in discomfort when moving.

“This is a horrendous form of cruelty,” said Lisa. “There are months and months of growth on these hooves and these poor ponies have endured a lot of suffering. There is no excusing the condition of these animals.”

Both ponies were taken to ISPCA equine rescue centre in Mallow, Co Cork, where they were made more comfortable. However, their recovery will be a slow process, with on-going treatment from the farrier.

Serious damage

“It is not possibly to trim them back in one session as this could cause serious damage to the ponies’ tendons,” said Lisa. “However we are very relieved to be able to help these two young ladies along, and are hopeful that they will make a full recovery in time.”

Neither of the ponies were microchipped, so an owner has yet to be identified. The investigation is on-going.