18 Horses Stranded by Floodwaters in UK, Situation Being Monitored by Officials

Christchurch press statement – 1/8/14

RSPCA inspectors are continuing to monitor 18 horses in Christchurch to ensure they are safe from flood water. Water levels appear to have dropped and the Environment Agency is not predicting heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.

The youngsters appeared relaxed, healthy and have about an acre of land to graze and access to drinking water. The horses are protected by a three foot bank and are not in immediate danger.

As such, we feel it would be dangerous to the lives of both the horses and people to attempt a rescue. This view is shared by experts from Dorset Fire & Rescue Service. World Horse Welfare and HorseWorld joined the RSPCA to check the welfare of the horses today and we are also working closely with Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

All of the charities share the public’s concern for these horses, but would like to reassure people that we are keeping a close eye on the situation and will continue checking and feeding them.

press release- 1/3/14

Fifty of the RSPCA’s specially trained rescue teams have been out rescuing animals affected by the storms across England.

The RSPCA has received around 150 calls for its help specifically for flood related incidents. From the December 29, 2013 to January 2, 2014, the RSPCA has been called to 149 incidents and assisted in the rescue of over 130 animals.

These figures are expected to rise over the weekend, as more severe weather looks set to batter Britain. With around 300 RSPCA inspectors, and only 45 specially trained water rescue specialists, the charity is braced for another busy weekend.

Large scale rescue in Somerset

Today (Friday) a team of RSPCA officers carried out a large scale rescue of 44 young cattle from a farm, along with three horses and six dogs – including two German Shepherds and four Chihuahuas from a flooded farm and taken to safety.

DCI John Pollock said, “It has been an immense job, but worth it to see the animals helped to a place of safety.”

“The same farm flooded last year, and luckily the farmer went to great lengths to secure the farm against the worse of the weather. He had already managed to get his sheep to higher ground before the weather beat him, and that was where we were able to step in and assist.”

RSPCA inspectors are only able to carry out rescues in treacherous conditions like this, helping vulnerable animals in need, thanks to kind donations from the public. If you would like to help our teams carry flood rescues you can text HELP 78866 to give £3 (texts cost £3 + one standard network rate message).