The ISPCA has warned that horses will starve this winter because they have been abandoned by their owners — something we know all too well in Wicklow.
The ‘ISPCA Hay Drive’ aims to raise awareness and essential funds so that the huge number of horses, ponies, donkeys and foals that have been abandoned can receive the urgent care they need.
This winter the ISPCA is urgently asking the Irish public who care about horses to text Hay to 50300 to donate €4 or make a monthly gift of €4 through our website (www.ispca.ie) which will buy a bale of hay and feed a neglected horse.
TV presenter Andrea Hayes and International Showjumper Gerard Clarke helped launch the 2014 Hay Drive at Royal County Equine, Ratoath supporting the ISPCA’s work.
ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling said: “Last year the ISPCA saw a dramatic increase in the number of starving animals requiring the assistance of our Inspectors. The number of equines admitted to our rehabilitation Centres increased by over 100% compared with the previous year.
“In 2013, the ISPCA received and responded to 1,933 equine distress calls related to cruelty, neglect or abuse to horses, ponies, foals and donkeys. We are regularly stretched beyond capacity but, with your help, we can continue our vital work and help the most urgent cases that are in critical need of veterinary care.”
The ISPCA provides urgent care and rehabilitation to animals who have been victims of cruelty, neglect and abuse and during the winter months.
In addition to its Hay Drive, the ISPCA continues to call for strong enforcement of regulations governing identification of equines and the registration of premises where they are housed in order to promote responsible equine ownership.
Every text or online donation received helps the ISPCA deal with the daily realities of animal welfare.
