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

Concerns have been raised by worried passers-by about a horse chained at the side of a busy road on the A59 in the blistering heat.
By Emma Downey
Published 12th Jul 2022, 15:45 BST
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The black and white horse has been spotted on a grass verge in Longsight Road on the A59 for almost three weeks, with no owner in sight.

Worries over the horse’s safety have been raised online as the tethered horse has been in 20-degree heat with no shelter.

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The horse is also unable to run or move around, and is at high risk of danger due to the busy roads.

Passers-by say the tethered horse has been on the grass verge of the A59 in Blackburn for the past three weeksPassers-by say the tethered horse has been on the grass verge of the A59 in Blackburn for the past three weeks
Passers-by say the tethered horse has been on the grass verge of the A59 in Blackburn for the past three weeks

What have people had to say about the horse’s condition?

One passer-by said: “Chained up on the verge on the busy A59 for over three weeks now. No protection from the elements, flying debris from the speeding cars.

"There's a heatwave on its way and it has no shade at all so it will be stood out in 32 degrees in the midday sun.

"Absolute disgrace and totally shocking in this day and age."

The horse seems to be eating its way along the grass vergeThe horse seems to be eating its way along the grass verge
The horse seems to be eating its way along the grass verge
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They added: “It's apparently got it's feet tangled in chain multiple times freed by kind passers by and has got loose at least once, wandering into the road. Disgusting to treat an animal that way and beyond belief that non of the organisations will do anything to help.”

The horse appears to be well fed so it is assumed that there is an owner who regularly feeds it, however people are still concerned over leaving the horse unattended without any shelter or company.

Is tethering a horse illegal?

Passers-by claim they have had to help the horse whose hooves became entangled in chainsPassers-by claim they have had to help the horse whose hooves became entangled in chains
Passers-by claim they have had to help the horse whose hooves became entangled in chains

According to the RSPCA tethering is not illegal and is therefore not an offence in itself, but it is essential the horse owner provides for the welfare needs of the horse.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "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.

"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.”

Related topics:LancashireRSPCA

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