Edgworth farmer in talks over horse fears following Facebook campaign (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Edgworth farmer in talks over horse fears following Facebook campaign

12:15pm Thursday 8th December 2011 in North Turton By Dan Clough, Reporter

CONCERN Rebecca Flynn, Alex Burn and Vicky Fowler at the field

RSPCA officers are to meet with an Edgworth farmer today to discuss plans for moving horses kept on his land.

Allegations had been made about the welfare of horses on land near Plantation Road in the village, with a Facebook campaign attracting 4,000 members.

However, the RSPCA has inspected the horses and found they are in a satisfactory condition, but said their environment was not.

One particular concern on the Facebook page was over a horse that had fallen in the field, and was subsequently bought by a Bolton vet and moved to her stables.

The RSPCA said the problem was that the animal could not stand properly as the field was too muddy.

Martin Marsh, north regional superintendent for the RSPCA, said: “Two senior RSPCA officers visited the horses and their owner and we are in the process of speaking to the vet involved.

“Though the horses have been moved to an improved environment, the owner has been advised that it isn’t good enough.

“The owner has been given the opportunity to sign the horses over to the RSPCA, but does not wish to do so.

“We are therefore meeting with him again today to discuss plans for moving them to somewhere more suitable and we will be working with him to achieve that.”

Mr Marsh added: “Advice has also been given in respect of three horses that were stabled yesterday and checked over by the owner’s vet.

“We would like to assure anyone concerned that where there is veterinary evidence that an animal is suffering and it is in the public interest to do so the RSPCA will look to prosecute their owners or those responsible.

“Today, we have 100 equines in RSPCA care in the north of England alone, which are the subject of on-going cases.”