AN APPEAL for information has been launched after 26 horses were abandoned.

Hampshire Constabulary obtained and executed a search warrant on Thursday, 12 October, at a property in Highclere after concerns were raised about the welfare of the horses.

RSPCA inspectors worked alongside the Hampshire Constabulary County Watch officers, World Horse Welfare, Redwings Horse Sanctuary and equine vets to remove the horses.

None of the horses seized were microchipped and so it is proving difficult to find who was responsible for the horses so an appeal has been launched to try and find out more

RSPCA Operational Superintendent Lee Hopgood, who praised the police and charities for working together to help the horses, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who has any information regarding these horses and urge them to contact the RSPCA through our inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

“These horses had to be removed after a vet sadly confirmed they were all either suffering unnecessarily or their needs were not being met.

“We also urge people to seriously think about the commitment involved in caring for horses as this sadly happens far too often.

“The RSPCA and other equine welfare charities have been picking up the pieces of the ongoing horse crisis for many years, rescuing sick and injured horses who have been left without appropriate care.”

Julie Harding, senior field officer at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, said: “This rescue is another great example of effective partnership working among the equine welfare charities; however this is also sadly another example of an owner not taking responsibility for or meeting the needs of their horses – indeed in this case choosing to abandon without water or forage.

As a result many of the horses were in very poor condition, which was very upsetting to see. We hope the RSPCA are successful in their appeal and urge anyone with information to come forward.”

World Horse Welfare field officer, Sarah Smith, said: “It has been really distressing to see these vulnerable horses abandoned in this way. Many of them were in need of urgent veterinary treatment to prevent further deterioration in their condition. It was a very sad situation but a superb team effort from all the charities working together to ensure the horses got the treatment and care they so desperately needed.”