RSPCA respond to tethered horse on side of grass verge on A59

Worried passers-by have expressed concern over the welfare of a horse chained at the side of a busy road for three weeks – this is what the RSPCA had to say.
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With no owner in sight on the Longsight Road, people have said it is animal cruelty that it has no shade from the heatwave.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said tethering is NOT illegal and that they were unable to take any action.

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"We do have serious concerns about tethering horses - it can lead to horses becoming tangled, not having enough grazing or being able to reach water - but it is not illegal to do so provided their needs are being met and so often our hands are tied in situations like this.

The tethered horse on the side of the A59The tethered horse on the side of the A59
The tethered horse on the side of the A59

Who should you call if you think a horse is being mistreated?

They added: "Anyone with any specific concerns about these or any tethered horse should call us on 0300 1234 999 or another equine charity such as World Horse Welfare.”

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What is happening to the horse tethered on a grass verge by a Lancashire road

What did the British Horse Association have to say?

The RSPCA said their hands are tiedThe RSPCA said their hands are tied
The RSPCA said their hands are tied

According to the British Horse Association tethering horses is not illegal, and whoever is responsible for leaving the animal chained up is not committing an offence in itself. The society says tethering can sometimes be an acceptable short-term solution if done in the most “welfare-friendly way”.

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This means the horse should have access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times and tethered horses should be moved regularly to ensure a constant supply of fresh grass.

Additionally, tethered horses can't safely enjoy the natural company and interaction with other horses that they need, especially physical interactions such as mutual grooming.

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