This article is from page 8 of the 2009-09-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
MANY horses in Clare are being left to starve – because the recession has left their owners with no money to feed them.
The voluntary body Clare Animal Welfare has said in its annual report that the last year “has been an ap- palling year for equine cruelty and we have witnessed large numbers of horses abandoned in unsuitable conditions because their owners are unable to afford to feed and manage dete e0 a
Horse owners have been pleading with the group to help them care for animals. “While individuals do not wish to perpetuate cruelty, they are unable to sustain adequate feed and shelter for these animals any longer,” the report states.
CAW provided farrier assistance to five horses, one donkey and two po- nies and nursed two foals and mares. They have also sent several donkeys to the donkey sanctuary warden in ETc
CAW provided fodder for at least 32 neglected and abandoned horses and ponies in several areas, including Ennis, north Clare, Shannon, Tubber and Gort, County Galway.
“This proved costly and time-con- suming for our volunteers. Outdoor rugs were provided to all animals and veterinary attention continued while rehabilitation and relocation was underway.
“All the neglected equines have
been logged and the Clare SPCA of- ficer notified,” the report says.
“The increase in equine cruelty and neglect has reflected the current state of the Irish economy and CAW is unable to address all calls for as- sistance. It is our view that this is a national problem that will continue to escalate, and measures to address the provisions for equines is urgently needed. We are liaising with other welfare organisations and providing shelter for horses through network- ing with local riding establishments, pony clubs and breeders,” a spokes- woman for the organisation said.
In the last year, CAW has helped re-home 75 dogs who were in their care as well as working to re-home dozens more who remained with the owners until that was possible.
They have assisted 27 cats and
kittens directly through neutering worming and vaccinating and CAW is also carrying out a programme of helping with the cost of neutering and treating pets for people on lower incomes.
CAW is a totally voluntary organi- sation and depends on contributions from the public and the Department of Agriculture to carry on with it’s work. For futher information or in- formation on how to donate, contact 087 7954351 or 087 1315904 or 086 1031662
Log on to _ http://www.clar- eanimalwelfare.net or eer ne info @clareanimalwelfare.net.