Petrol-soaked horse rescued from gang of yobs in Sedgley
Two horses, one which was doused in diesel and petrol and narrowly avoided being set alight by yobs, are among the latest strays rescued as part of a new project.
Welfare officers working on behalf of Dudley Council rescued the young colt from land in Sedgley after nearby residents raised the alarm. Horse rescue firm Equine Emergency Services has been employed by the council to work alongside West Midlands Police to tackle the problem of strays.
Dudley Council revealed it had spent almost £150,000 on rounding up more than 250 stray horses in the past two years. It comes as horse welfare remains a top priority with an increased concern by residents spotting neglected animals.
Hundreds of horses have been rounded up from roads and neighbouring land, especially in Dudley and Sandwell, in recent months. Today a spokeswoman for Equine Emergency Services, who wished to stay anonymous for fear of reprisals, said the young colt covered in fuel was battling back to health. "This colt was doused in diesel and petrol before residents reported children trying to set him on fire," she said.
"He is still in a process of recovery as the fuels saturated him and caused severe skin disorders. He is very strong willed and fighting to make afull recovery from this dreadful ordeal."
A second horse was rescued from Wallows Road, Pensnett, by Equine Emergency Services. Dudley Council's environment boss Councillor Tracy Wood said the firm has been successful in removing animals which would otherwise suffer and be a potential cause of accidents.
West Midlands Police are able to seize the horses found on the public highway, pursuing criminal suits where appropriate and handing the animal over to the Equine Emergency Service.
Once a horse is in the care of the service it is seen by a vet and checked for micro chips to trace its owner.
Equine Emergency Services and Dudley Council say they have a 99 per cent success rate, with all horses nursed back to health, rehabilitated, passported and microchipped before being found suitable homes.
Councillor Wood added: "The Equine Emergency Service does a fantastic job of looking after these neglected horses found on the public highway and shows real skill, care and compassion."
