At risk horses rescued from Candelo Common
A joint animal welfare operation has been undertaken on the South Coast to rehome horses that were at risk after being illegally placed on land without proper care.
Crown Lands, Local Land Services and the Department of Primary Industries teamed up with the RSPCA NSW to conduct a mustering operation to remove the animals from Candelo Common, about 20 kilometres south-west of Bega.
As a result, 18 horses are being safely rehomed through charity organisation Horse Welfare Incorporated, which supports the rehabilitation and rehousing of horses at risk in the Southern Tablelands, Snowy Monaro, Hunter Valley, and Mid North Coast areas.
Horse Welfare Incorporated president Jo Briggs said many of the horses were mares in foal so their rescue and rehoming would save even more horse lives.
“We help rescue horse surrenders, horses taken by agencies due to welfare issues, and horses that have been abandoned so that they can be rehabilitated and then safely rehomed,” Ms Briggs said.
“Our commitment to the horse is to ensure they are well cared for and maintained for the rest of their days.”
Crown Lands undertook enquiries in a bid to determine the owner of the horses but they could not be located, so efforts were then made to rehome them.
Crown Lands coordinated the rescue operation with Local Land Services providing temporary stock yards to herd the horses, as well as veterinarian support together with the Department of Primary Industries.
RSPCA NSW was also involved to monitor the operation and the welfare of horses.
Crown Lands Executive Director of Land and Asset Management Greg Sullivan said it was a well-coordinated joint operation that went smoothly.
“This is a great outcome as these horses were not looked after and many were in poor condition and facing a hot summer with drying pasture conditions,” Mr Sullivan said.
“Rehoming of the horses will help ensure their future welfare and also remove the possibility of them escaping the common and creating a public safety risk.”