Charity braced for baby boom

A HORSE rescue centre is bracing itself for a spate of newborn foals after a wild stallion invaded its fields.

The owners of the Brownbread Horse Rescue Centre at Ashburnham say two horses have so far given birth to foals by the stallion, and fear a number more could follow.

The stallion was running wild in the area last year and tried to attack a number of vulnerable horses at the centre.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite liaising with the horse’s owner, the RSPCA, the police, vets and solicitors, the charity said it ‘had no choice’ but to shoot the animal dead.

The unexpected baby boom is likely to prove a drain on the charity’s resources.

Three-year-old Millie gave birth to her foal Patrick just over a week ago.

Millie was rescued from north Kent where she and two other ponies were tethered and left without food water and shelter.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dinty Steains, from Brownbread Horse Rescue, said: “Although very nervous, Millie has turned out to be a perfect mother. In spite of us watching over her for several weeks in case she needed help, Millie produced her baby all on her own.

“One other foal has so far been born from the wild stallion that invaded our fields and we are waiting to see how many other mares are carrying foals.

“This is a big drain on charity funds as the babies will stay with their mothers for six months before they can be rehomed and other mares have been scanned by the vets in hospital to see whether they are in foal. All offers of help in the way of hay, straw and feed donations and homes will be very gratefully accepted - call 01424 892381.”

Related topics: