There is a shetland being kept at one of the pubs in my village. I'm not impressed about the conditions he is in - very limited grazing - although he looks happy enough.

Incidentally, they got the pony from a rescue centre

Recently, someone cut his tail and mane off, they also let out the rabbits and GP's that the landlord keeps and stole the bouncy castle.

On bonfire night, the pub is having a bonfire and fireworks to music. The landlords son today told my daughter they are not planning to move the pony, and are going to be doing rides on him for children!

If this is true, then its both irresponsible and dangerous.

Tonight, I rang the RSPCA and they were extremely helpful. They are sending round an inspector (despite there being no law against the fireworks and that I haven't made a formal complaint) to have a chat and ask the landlord to move the pony. They have asked me to call back tomorrow to get an update and to be kept informed.

Credit where credits due (so far...) :)

OMG!!!!

RSPCA doing something positive!???

well miricles do happen!

I have to admit - I was shocked. I only half-heartedly rang them, as I was convinced I'd get the "we can't do anything", but they agreed that its dangerous for both children and the pony and are going on an advisory visit! :) I'm very much relieved, have been very worried.

Well done Chloe!! I hope they do actually do something about it.

Keep us posted. :)

Kath.

I agree with the rest of the post, but feel that it should be pointed out that "limited grazing" for a shetland could actually be beneficial or even life saving, so dont knock it too quickly: there could be factors you dont know about such as laminitis.

I wasn't clear - this shetland lives in a pen 20 x 10ft with no grazing, and is let out into the beer garden occasionally...Personally, I don't feel its enough, but I could be wrong, however, like I say, he seems happy enough.. although I still think he's too exposed to drunken idiots :(

A pony with a child on it's back, with fireworks going off sounds very sensible (not) :(
Good for you Chloe, I hope they do something about it, and take account of his 'living' conditions at the same time.

liberty

Chloe: absolutely...that does sound too small. its the quality of grass thats the problem rather than the actual area...and 20 x 10 is too small to keep a rabbit on, let alone a shetland!!!

Kath
I disagree. Firstly I have known sugar levels rise in pasture all year, enough to bring on laminitis....there is never a safe period :( Also, if a pony (usually a native such as this one) is prone, then even a handful of grass can set it off.

Good point re the grazing. There is grass in the beer garden, but its extremely short now - and I doubt they'd even know what laminitis is..

I am sure there are laws too about animals being kept in beer gardens - for example, signs to show people to wash their hands? They also serve food there! Its just a gimmick to get families in - and its not right

Hi Sam, :)
perhaps I should have said *less* of a problem in the autumn.

Anyway, without knowing all the facts we're just guessing the reasons, but it doesn't sound like they are doing anything for the benefit of the pony. :(

Kath

Laminitis in grass fed ponies usually occurs in spring when there is a flush of grass, not a problem in autumn. :)

Kath.
Edited to say *less* of a problem in autumn!

Not in my experience Kath - a dry season followed by a mild damp autumn can also bring on a flush of grass sufficient to cause laminitis :(

The whole set up sounds like a recipe for disaster, both equine and human :(

True, but more likely in September. By November I think the danger would be past. We have 20 acres here, so I know a flush in November would be a miracle unless heavily artificially fertilised which I doubt in this case. :)

I agree the set up sounds appalling!

Kath.

Is it at the RO ?

If so the area is tiny if I remember rightly !

Lucy

Chloe - any chance of the pub name and area. There is a good chance we might own the pub and therefore I can pursue this also through work.
Email me if you prefer.

Email on way

Yep - the RO

I was reading on the BHS board about problems with fireworks and horses (one ran into a telegraph pole, others bolted etc in the example given) and one of the "bods" brought up an interesting view - that anyone with an animal who suffered such as these could in fact sue the people who held the fireworks party and so the latter should make sure they have good insurance!!!

This must apply to lots of displays, but wonder if it applies to private ones as well? It's not often mentioned - its just that the threat of litigation tends to stop people more than anything else these days. I expect a pub would be covered though - unless the idea of pony rides and fireworks is considered not in keeping with the small print etc.

Lindsay