The proprietor of a 16-year-old pony who was stolen final summer season mentioned it feels “unreal” to be reunited, eight months later.
Miniature Shetland mare Maisey disappeared from her subject in Fortress Combe, close to Chippenham, Wiltshire, on 12 July. Maisey’s proprietor Allison Wooden discovered “scrabble” marks, footprints and tyre tracks, and believed somebody had taken Maisey away in a van.
A poster with Maisey’s image was shared 1000’s of instances on social media however she was not discovered, till final week when Avon & Somerset Police obtained a name from a member of the general public a couple of group of horses close to the M5 in Avonmouth, Bristol.
The RSPCA attended the scene, and requested HorseWorld for help with “one explicit pony in very poor situation”.
“We have been requested if we might accumulate a severely underweight Shetland pony who had been deserted,” mentioned HorseWorld head of welfare Sarah Hollister.
“We have been already at capability, with different rescues having been taken in only a few days earlier than, however we knew we had to assist.”
A HorseWorld spokesman added that Maisey was in a “surprising state”.
“Her winter coat was very fluffy however with additional inspection, it was clear the mare was severely malnourished and emaciated, lined in lice and may very well be pregnant,” he mentioned.
“The RSPCA organized for an equine vet to attend the positioning to look at Maisey previous to being transported to make sure she was match to journey. The horse was rushed to the protection of HorseWorld the place she was rigorously settled into their emergency care unit and given the rapid lifesaving remedy by the equine welfare and veterinary crew.”
When RSPCA inspector Dan Hatfield processed the information from Maisey’s microchip, it was found that she had been reported as stolen.
“Maisey has fairly distinctive markings and as I used to be wanting over pictures of the rescue, they triggered a reminiscence of one thing I had seen on social media,” mentioned HorseWorld chief government Petra Ingram.
“With somewhat extra delving it rapidly transpired that HorseWorld had shared a Fb publish about Maisey’s theft in July 2023. We instantly telephoned colleagues on the RSPCA and shared the wonderful information that we believed we had recognized not solely the horse, however the place she had initially come from too.”
Maisey was reunited with Allison on Wednesday (6 March).
“It feels unreal to have Maisey dwelling. When Dan phoned I simply burst out crying; I didn’t say something. I’ve had individuals within the village crying once I’ve advised them,” she mentioned.
“Holly, her fieldmate, will likely be over the moon. However with out the microchip, and the wonderful work of everybody concerned, we might have by no means acquired her again.”
Mr Hatfield mentioned it’s “completely fantastic to be a part of bringing Maisey again dwelling so many months after she was stolen”.
“After we rescued her in such a sorry state final week, we had no concept that she would change into a much-loved, lacking pet,” he mentioned.
“It is a implausible instance of how important it’s that we microchip our pets – with out this, Maisey might by no means have discovered her approach again dwelling to her homeowners, and I’m so glad to witness them being reunited as we speak. It was a particular second for us all.”
PC Jess Swanborough of Chippenham Neighbourhood Policing Crew was there when Maisey was returned to Allison.
“It was so beautiful to see Maisey come dwelling and her proprietor was completely delighted to have her again safely,” she mentioned.
“We’re extraordinarily grateful to the member of the general public who reported their issues to Avon and Somerset Police. We’re so happy this case has had a cheerful ending – it reveals the significance of chipping your animals so if something like this does occur, the possibilities of the animal being situated and returned safely are a lot larger.”
You may also be thinking about:
Credit score: Allison Wooden
Credit score: HAPPA
Credit score: Future
Horse & Hound journal, out each Thursday, is full of all the most recent information and stories, in addition to interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and coaching recommendation. Discover how one can take pleasure in the journal delivered to your door each week, plus choices to improve your subscription to entry our on-line service that brings you breaking information and stories in addition to different advantages.
