I am increasingly concerned about a new trend for rescuing horses from French fat farmers to bring them to the UK. There are a number of unregulated websites offering assistance with the process.

If you have found this page whilst looking to rehome a horse please consider one of the UK based charities first. There are an increasing number of unwanted horses in particular due to the recent credit crunch and UK rescue homes have had to shut their doors and healthy horses are being destroyed as a result. These UK charities are desperate for help. They are also concerned about the trade in French Equines. World Horse Welfare, the World’s leading charity attempting to stop the live transport of equines from France to Italy for slaughter issued this statement:

“The subject of saving individual horses is one which is very much being covered by the press at the moment mainly due to one or two websites. I appreciate you approaching us for our feeling on this matter.

Saving individual horses and donkeys from the slaughter trade is very tempting; however by buying one animal (for a lot more than their market value) it fuels the purchase of many more. These horses and donkeys will then go on to suffer the fate of being transported in totally unacceptable and inhumane conditions, for thousands of miles to slaughter. The animals sold to would-be rescuers are part of a trade involving around 100,000 horses transported every year.

We feel that it is vital that people stop funding the trade by purchasing these horses and donkeys. At World Horse Welfare, we have been campaigning for over 80 years to end the long-distance transportation of horses to slaughter in mainland Europe; our focus is on the welfare of horses and donkeys whilst alive. World Horse Welfare’s campaign ‘Make A Noise’ aims to end the suffering of over 100,000 horses and donkeys enduring appalling conditions, by seeing the introduction of slaughter at source and a carcase-only trade. We are not against horse slaughter or consumption but view the welfare of the horse, whilst alive, to be paramount.”

The risks of buying rescue horses from France

Health

Most of the horses rehomed by the rescue and rehoming websites are bought from a picture on a website, sight unseen. A very brief description of the animal is given yet there are no warranties as to either the physical or mental health of the animal. The new owner agrees to take the horse regardless of any conditions that are subsequently discovered which may well lead to costly vet bills. The true condition of the rescued horse is only discovered once it has been delivered to the new home. Horses imported from France recently via the rescue sites have suffered from:

Strangles - Strangles is a respiratory infection of horses, donkeys and ponies caused by Streptococcus equi. It is a highly contagious disease and the most common bacterial infection of horses.

Malignant melanomas - a dangerous, aggressive form of cancer.

Chronic Pastern Lymphedema - This chronic progressive disease starts at an early age, progresses throughout the life of the horse and often ends in disfigurement and disability of the limbs which inevitably leads to the horse’s premature death.

These are some of the more serious conditions I am aware of. Other cases include deformed limbs, genital tumours, blindness and lameness. Malnutrition, worms and lice are common.*

As unregistered organisations, the websites do not have the facilities to assist with the financial care of the animals once they have arrived in the UK and are not in a position to take them back on if the purchaser can’t cope with them in the future. Any future involvement relies on donations from supporters.

Transport

Travelling a horse in a lorry on the roads require the horse to use more energy than walking. Horses purchased through French Rescue websites can face an exceptionally long journey to the UK. The journey from the South of France takes up to two days when the horses may not leave the lorry. Given the general poor physical health of the animals, undertaking this journey is a risk in itself. Some of the horses go down in the lorry and one has been too ill to make it back and died in transit and several have received injuries on the lorry. Again the new purchaser takes the financial loss for this.

Cost

The French fat farmers have identified this enthusiasm for rescuing horses from them and have bumped the price of the rescue horses well over the meat price they could expect to get for them originally. Playing on the sympathy of the British Public, the prices asked are exhorbitant regardless of any physical or mental issues with the horse. Once a horse has been reserved, there is no need for the farmer to continue feeding the horse until transport can be arranged and so the horse can instantly start suffering more at the hands of the farmer.

The way forward

Although the thought of rescuing a horse from the meat trade sounds very idyllic, the reality is that this practice likely means another horse or two will take the place of the one rescued animal. Instead of supporting this practice, I urge you to contact one of the UK based charities linked to on the left hand side of this page. Making a space in a UK shelter leaves room for another neglected horse to be cared for. You will have the full support of the charity and can be sure the horse is as described.

Support the Make a Noise Campaign to prevent the inhumane transport of horses to slaughter within Europe. The meat trade will never stop regardless of how many equines are rescued, we can however work with WHW to make the trade humane and regulated in the future.

If you decide to go ahead with a French rescue:

Be realistic about your capabilities. Don’t buy an animal just because it looks cute. Some of the draft breeds particularly grow very large and strong. Don’t buy a stallion if you don’t have the experience or facilities to keep one. Purchasing one of these horses is not a good idea for a novice owner. They are likely to need very sensitive handling and careful rehabilitation.

Be prepared for health issues. These are often not mentioned or are underplayed in the description of the horses from the farmers. Before commiting to purchase an animal, ask lots of questions about it. Ask to have a veterinary check on the animal - although this won’t guarantee that it will be totally healthy it will identify any obvious issues before you hand over any money. Ask to see photographs of any external wounds or scars, if necessary seek the advice of a vet in the UK before committing.

Consider the purchase price of the animal a donation. Don’t go into the process expecting to make any money.

Accept that the horse will most likely cost you in excess of the market value. As well as purchasing the horse you need to factor in livery until the horse comes to the UK, the transport costs of £320+, immediate vet, farrier and dentist visits to the horse and possible ongoing treatment.

Be aware the horse may be unhandled in any way. It may not be used to staying in a stable or may be aggressive with other horses or people. Be sure that you have the experience and facilities to cope with such issues.