Charity’s work reducing number of dead horses

THE number of horses abandoned in the Sliabh Aughty mountains has increased in the past year, according to a local charity. However, the number found dead is down significantly.
During its recent annual census of abandoned horses on a commonage of 2,400 acres in the mountains, Forgotten Horses Ireland counted 139 horses, an increase from the 127 counted in 2012.
The organisation believes the exact number of abandoned horses on this commonage may be higher but poor weather conditions on the day of the census hampered the count.
Speaking about the results of the 2013 census, Rozmina Kachchhi, chairperson of Forgotten Horses Ireland, said, “In the winter of 2011/2012, 22 horses were found dead, mainly due to malnutrition.
“By contrast, only three horses have died since the charity began working on the commonage in March 2012; two from gunshot wounds and one from unknown causes.
“This transformation in the numbers of abandoned horses perishing on this large commonage is due to the constant monitoring of the area by our volunteers, the removal of horses in serious distress and feeding the animals at the most risk,” she stated.
Noting that the winter of 2012/2013 was very long, Ms Kachchhi added, “Forgotten Horses Ireland has rescued a total of 28 horses with serious health issues, all of whom would have perished if left on the commonage to fend for themselves.”
Founder of the charity, Eileen Naughton commended the efforts of volunteers.
“Forgotten Horses Ireland is run on a solely voluntary basis. The continued positive improvements to the conditions of these abandoned horses are only possible through the efforts of our volunteers and this is reflected in the reduction of the number of deaths on this commonage,” she said.
Overall, the census showed the conditions of the abandoned horses were “satisfactory, reflecting the efforts of the volunteer team to feed and care for the animals throughout the long winter of 2012/2013”.
However, the body of a yearling that was dead for about a week was discovered. As the horse was not known to volunteers, the charity suspects the animal was recently abandoned in poor condition.
The charity reports all welfare concerns to Galway County Council and the Department of Agriculture.
The census found the population composition of the abandoned horses was much the same as in 2012, with foals making up approximately 17% of the population.
The annual census provides the charity with key information to plan the removal of as many animals as possible for rehoming and rehabilitation during the summer months, in order to reduce the number of deaths in winter.
Further information on the charity is available from www.forgottenhorses.com.