RSPCA responds after local horse protection group claim Rushden horses in ‘critical’ condition
Concerns have been raised to the welfare of horses in Rushden.
Local group, Help for Wellingborough Horses have raised concerns for horses living in a field in Northampton Road, Rushden, claiming their living conditions are ‘critical’ in the winter months.
A spokesman said: “Our organisation, alongside the Rushden community, have been reporting these horses for over five years due to lack of grazing, hay and water. Since 2020, the number of horses on the property have increased, therefore allowing horses to breed freely and consequently lowering the grazing accessible to them.
"As well as this, the horses are constantly loose on the roads - dangerously close to the A45 and Rushden Lakes. This situation is critical and we are demanding something is done.
"We are flabbergasted at how some people deem the horses on Northampton Road are adequately cared for.”
The horses are currently grazing on land near Northampton Road, Rushden, near Rushden Lakes, which has been earmarked for the development of the Rushden Gateway complex.
The group claims the RSPCA, the largest animal welfare charity in the UK, has ‘ignored countless calls for assistance’. But the RSPCA says it is aware of the horses and reassured those with concerns that investigate any complaints made to them about animal welfare, and that legal procedures are being followed.
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “We are grateful to anybody who raises animal welfare concerns with us. However, we are unable to discuss complaints about specific people and what action may have been taken.
“We would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare.
“A lot of the time issues will be dealt with by advice and education and our officers are very often working hard behind the scenes to resolve a situation - but it is not always appropriate to publicise this information for legal reasons. “Animals loose on a road must be dealt with by the police, so we ask people to contact 999 or Highways UK in the first instance. These agencies will often then request the assistance of the RSPCA if necessary.”