Two Former Carriage Horses Rescued By SPCA
The Bermuda Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [SPCA] has rescued two former carriage horses and is seeking to raise funds for their retirement.
The two horses, known as Arthur and Charlie, were found in very poor condition following an anonymous tip from a member of the public. They had previously been carriage horses in Hamilton for a number of years before being passed on to another owner, when they disappeared from notice. Since then, the SPCA had been trying to ascertain their whereabouts.
The two horses were found in a cramped stall, malnourished and suffering from a number of skin and dental issues. For two weeks the SPCA visited the horses on site and provided food.
After this time the horses were signed over by their owner. Since their removal from the property Arthur and Charlie have been being fostered with full access to food, water, grass turn out and fresh air and have received veterinary and dental care.
“The SPCA would like Arthur and Charlie to be retired, so that they may spend the rest of their days in comfort,” the SPCA said.
“However, this is very costly and the SPCA is appealing to the public for assistance. The board and turnout for the horses has been donated by the SPCA, but additional expenses will include:
- $400 per month for hay
- $20 per month for shavings for stabling
- $20 per month for worming treatment
- $80 per month for farrier bills
- Veterinary bills
- Dental bills
- Trailering
“Members of the public who would like to contribute to Arthur and Charlie’s retirement may make a donation at the SPCA offices at 32 Valley Road Paget, or online at the SPCA Website [www.spca.bm and under the “Donate” tab select “General Donation”].
“Donations can be made specially for Arthur and Charlie’s retirement by putting “Arthur and Charlie” in the acknowledgement name field along with any further requests for how the money should be used.
“It is estimated that there may be as many as 2,500 horses in Bermuda – not including transient horses. However, unlike dogs, there is no register or record kept for horses. The SPCA believes that a horse and pony register, with annual checks, would greatly improve the lives of Bermudian horses.”
Chris Coleman, Bermuda SPCA Inspector, who found the horses, said: “When I first saw Arthur and Charlie I was shocked at how skinny and frail they were – they had clearly been without food for days, if not weeks.
“We are glad that this story for Arthur and Charlie had a happy ending, but this is not always the case. An equine register would enable us to ensure that every horse and pony in Bermuda is properly cared for.”
Sarah Haycock, President of Bermuda SPCA, said: “Despite the conditions which they have endured, Arthur and Charlie are remarkably affectionate and well-mannered horses, and we are so pleased that they are able to enjoying such a high quality of life at their new foster home.
“However, keeping horses is a tremendous expense and we would be grateful to the public for their generosity in keeping Arthur and Charlie comfortable in their later years.”
- Photos by Sacha Blackburne
I am happy to donate, but what is happening to the so-called “owners”? They should have assets confiscated to fund the care. WHy aren’t the police arresting them?
Oh they will be fined at the full extent of the law, $200 and no horses for 5 years. What a disgrace.
What charges will be brought against the owner(s)?
Will the former owners be prosecuted for animal cruelty?
Any news on whether the owner will be prosecuted and fined? Maybe that could be used towards their care. Owners shouldn’t be allowed to get away with this!
If I had my way the Owner would suffer the exact same treatment!
What is going to happen to the former owner of these horses? I certainly hope that they’ll be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
So who is the owner & where is a picture of the owner? Let’s see how well the owner takes care of himself.
I am glad that the horses have been rescued. You never know what circumstances lead to such situations. What is needed now is for those who are concerned to help the SPCA with their funding request.
This is terribly sad. I have tried to process a donation on the SPCA website however I have not had success. When I called the SPCA to explain they said to try again otherwise I don’t know what else to tell you. How about you process payment over the phone or pass the call onto someone who can take my payment directly.
Please call the SPCA in the am and they will assist or take payment over the phone. Many thanks!!
Yes, name and shame the owners! What kind of evil person does this? Why did you take over these horses if you couldn’t afford to feed them. These owners should be brought before the courts. This is animal cruelty plain and simple. If we don’t prosecute and make examples of these owners then this could continue.
These carriage horses aren’t associated with the ones that collapsed in dockyard last year are they?
I saw those particular horses still at work in St George’s last year. In my opinion, that of itself is animal cruelty. Imagine being hooked up to a cart, and being forced to pull people around in the scorching heat with the sun beating down on your back. I would love to see this practice outlawed.
Wow always amazes me how people are ready to shoot off and put focus on those so innocent of what you’re accusing them of, especially in a sensitive situation such as this. These horses in question have been out of service and haven’t been hooked up to a carraige or used for anything for at least five years, so therefore your above statement bears no merit, neither have therse horses ever been stabled in st.Georges. The guys down st. georges have always taken excellent care of their horses and if you need to take a drive and see with your own eyes.If you are not sure of the information your putting out there, my advice is to stay in your lane.
This is a HORRID payback for these horses, especially ones that have worked so hard in their lives to bring income to someone. Animals depend on their “humans” for water, food, medical care and secure shelter. I GET that sometimes an owner comes upon hard times and is unable to properly care for their charges, especially the cost it takes to care for them. If this is the case for anyone PLEASE, please, please care enough to surrender them so they may receive proper care. I don’t care if it’s a mouse or a horse…give them the loving home they deserve or be big enough to find someone who will be able to take them in and treat them the way they deserve!!!!
Why is it that the owner has not been named. Why should he or she be protected. The poor horses were not. His or her name should be put out there so this will not happen to any other animals that they may own. Also so the public can keep an eye open for future animal abuse by the said person or persons.
The law around animal abuse needs to be updated. These horses shown above are owned by the same man who was before the courts back in 2006, for the abuse of six horses, and other animals. He was given a conditional discharge and banned from owning anymore for five years, only to return and do the same thing over again. On the day they were taken away I just happened be be driving behind the horse trailor and knew then that the spca must of been there.But I go further and say that yes the bigger majority of people here care for their horses as they are supposed to do.