RSPCA urges pension plans for horses
12 June 2009
The RSPCA urged horse owners to invest in "pony pensions" amid
concerns over an unprecedented surge in the numbers of unwanted
animals due to the recession. The charity said owners should have a
retirement plan which budgets for the cost of caring for horses and
ponies past their working life.
The world's oldest horse charity, the Horse Trust, said it had
received a fivefold increase in demand for rehousing animals from
owners who were struggling due to the financial crisis.
Many horses face an uncertain old age, and are vulnerable to
abuse or abandonment. Horse abattoirs have reported a significant
increase in custom from owners unable to find homes for unwanted
animals.
"While there are many responsible, caring equine owners who plan
for their animals' future, other people see horses simply as
commodities that have no value and hold no interest once the animal
cannot do the job it was bought to do," said Sally Learoyd, the
RSPCA's equine rehoming officer.
Source: The Guardian (17 March 2009)
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