Safety concerns as owners told to pay for rescues

There are fears owners who cannot afford the charges may attempt to save horses themselves

- BECKY MURRAY

CHARGES for large animal rescue by a fire service could have consequences – as it is feared owners who cannot afford to pay could put themselves at risk attempting to help their horses.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) last year held a public consultation as part of their “Making Surrey Safer” plan (news, 21 March 2019). At the time, Surrey County Council said it and SFRS may charge for services such as animal rescue. From April 2020, a large animal rescue by SFRS costs an owner £618.12.

An SFRS spokesman told H&H callers will be told of the charge before crews are sent out, and if they cannot afford it, they will be advised to call the RSPCA or other charity. Insurance providers NFU Mutual, SEIB, KBIS, and Petplan told H&H the fire service charge would not be covered in their equine policies.

Asked if there were concerns owners could attempt potentially dangerous rescues if they could not afford to pay, the spokesman said: “The role in protecting the public is fundamental to the fire service, and we will always provide an appropriate response to an emergency. It is always a concern if members of the public are at harm, regardless of the cause.”