Lack of accountability highlights issues as vulnerable horses saved

No authorities took any action after 26 horses in transit were intercepted near Dover last year

- LUCY ELDER

THE fruitless search for more information from authorities, following a case where 26 horses and ponies were intercepted before they were exported, has highlighted how vulnerable horses can fall through the cracks.

H&H reported on the case, made public by World Horse Welfare, where an overloaded transporter of "frightened and vulnerable" horses - some believed to be destined for slaughter in Europe - was stopped at Dover in November.

Of the 26 on board, only 19 had the necessary paperwork for their journey. Many of the horses had health issues, some were pregnant, at least one pony was infected with equine influenza and 13 had been signed out of the food chain.

"No local authority has taken enforcement action"

In April, World Horse Welfare announced that the first of the expectant mares had delivered a foal at the charity's Norfolk rescue and rehoming centre. World Horse Welfare is not a prosecuting body or public authority, so H&H asked authorities whether there had been any arrests in the case.