The five mares thought to range in age from eight to 12 were discovered loose on fields in Burford, Oxford last weekend.
RSPCA inspector Doug Davidson managed to catch and transport the ponies with the help of Blue Cross pet charity’s equine team.
Inspector Davidson said: “The farmers had managed to get the ponies into a fallow field but the dry stone walling was designed for sheep and was too low for the ponies so there was the risk they could escape onto the roads.
“The vet checked them over and found that two of them were lame, one severely, and another was severely emaciated.
“Thames Valley Police seized them and signed them over to the RSPCA’s care. The Blue Cross team were fantastic helping us with these horses and we couldn’t have done it without them.”
The herd were rescued on Tuesday (March 11) and are currently under veterinary care. Unfortunately, although microchipping is a legal requirement, none of the ponies are microchipped or have identification marks. If no owner can be found within 21 days they will be put up for rehoming.
Inspector Davidson said: “I would really like to speak to the owner of these ponies and would like to hear from anyone who recognises them or who knows who owns them.
“Sadly this sort of incident is not uncommon. The country is in the grip of a horse crisis with horses regularly being dumped dead or dying and charities like the RSPCA and Blue Cross having to pick up the pieces.”
The RSPCA has 125 spaces at our four equine centres but we are currently caring for over 800 of the country’s most neglected and abused horses and ponies.
If anyone has any information about this incident they are urged to contact the inspector’s information line on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Inspector Doug Davidson.
To help the RSPCA investigate cases like this text HELP to 78866 to give £3 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).
