MORE and more, the world is becoming a smaller place.

There really is not all that much going on out there that, at one stage or other, will not come to light.

In short, there is no hiding place for those who neglect the horses and ponies under their care.

At the low point of the economic crash, charities like the ISPCA and DSPCA were inundated with calls from the public about neglected, starving and injured horses, ponies and donkeys in trouble, some in terrible condition.

Many seizures were made and a few of those cases made it before the local courts.

Thankfully the number of those rescue calls has reduced but as Agriculture Minister Michael Creed outlined in his interview with The Irish Field above, even one case of animal cruelty is one too many.

The legislation governing this area has been beefed up to deal with those found guilty of animal welfare abuses.

This winter there is going to be a fodder crisis, the issue strongly highlighted in our sister paper, The Irish Farmers Journal this week with plenty of expert advice.

The clocks change this weekend, truly ringing in the winter months.

TEAGASC ADVICE

We contacted Teagasc equine specialist Wendy Conlon for her advice (printed below) and it’s well worth heeding.

“Conditions in many parts of the country have forced stock in earlier than may have been planned. For those receiving Single Farm Payment, in line with cross compliance, it is important not to permit severe poaching of ground as this is contrary to Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions with resultant penalties enforceable.

There is a no doubt that early housing potentially presents a double challenge where stock are making early inroads into winter fodder in situations where there may already be reduced/poor fodder supplies due to poor weather conditions at optimal saving time. It is therefore critical to budget ahead for anticipated requirements through to next spring and act now to build those reserves if necessary.

With the first evidence of frosty nights beginning, if horses are still out, it is important to appraise water pipes and regularly check troughs to ensure water is available.

“If rugs are on horses, these should be checked daily and removed regularly also to check underlying body condition.”