Animal-loving Atherstone and North Warwickshire come 'riding to the rescue' of ponies under death sentence threat

OFFERS TO STABLE HORSES FROM A COMMUNITY UPSET BY APPARENT ABANDONMENT OF MARES AND FOALS

LOCALS CLAIM NEARBY TRAVELLERS RESPONSIBLE FOR LEAVING SEVEN CREATURES TO THEIR FATE

HORSE lovers across Atherstone and North Warwickshire have offered to give homes to ponies feared abandoned and facing the threat of a death sentence.

The seven coloured mares and foals were found on Clock Hill, Hartshill, and placed under a 96-hour detention order which expires tomorrow.

The police notice from Atherstone Safer Neighbourhood Team, under Section 7C of the Animals Act 1971, warns the owners that if no one comes to claim them by Friday "steps may be taken to dispose of the horses".

The animals are thought to belong to the nearby Traveller community with forum followers claiming the ponies were left to graze in a field on Becketts Close without the landowner's permission.

Angela Janet Bennett said: "I've seen the horses in the field and it's patently obvious whose they are – sadly those who don't give a damn about their animals."

Another forum follower said the pony owners were "just not taking responsibility" for their welfare, adding: "The travellers keep putting the horses on the field despite being told by the police not to and access being blocked."

Annie Rathbone offered to take a mare and foal, adding: "I can take two foals as I have a spare stable and plenty of grazing."

Jen Cain said: "I can take a foal if need be," while Elaine Brown offered "help with rehoming".

Atherstone Forum owner and administrator Shelley Janine Smith said: "It's such a shame for these horses. I wish I had the facilities to provide for them, I would take them in a flash.

Helen Soane added: "The notice isn't up until July 31 and the owner will most likely move them before the deadline – they usually do."