A pony has been put to sleep during a huge rescue mission to remove it and 11 others from a Welsh common. The ponies were removed from Gelligaer Common in Caerphilly on Tuesday, March 14, after a multi-agency operation was launched by the RSPCA.
11 of the ponies were removed from the common on welfare grounds, but sadly one mare was put down at the scene following veterinary advice to prevent any further suffering. Those that were successfully removed, including a number of foals, are now being looked after with the RSPCA conducting enquiries to track down the owners as they were not microchipped.
The huge rescue operation also involved Redwings Horse Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare, the Donkey Sanctuary and Caerphilly County Borough Council.
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The ponies removed were a bay mare with a brown foal, a grey mare with a bay foal, a bay mare with a bay foal and a bay youngster, a chestnut mare, a grey mare and a grey roan foal and an orphan chestnut foal. They are all now in RSPCA care.
RSPCA inspector Christine McNeil said the welfare of the rescued ponies was the charity's priority, adding: “This was once again a strong demonstration of partnership working and we are very grateful for the support from the local authorities and the equine charities involved. We can achieve so much together for animal welfare.
“Eleven ponies were removed due to welfare concerns and very sadly on veterinary advice one pony - a chestnut roan mare - was also put to sleep at the location. Unfortunately her condition was so serious that the vet advised that action to prevent further suffering was carried out straight away.
“We are now conducting enquiries to find out the owners of these ponies as they were not microchipped," she added. "If anyone has any information we would urge them to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.”
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