THE ISPCA is appealing for homes for 25 rescued ponies, donkeys and horses currently in care.

ISPCA Head of Animal Welfare, Denise McCausland, said: “With several equines that are ready to go to new homes now, we are trying to find suitable homes where our horses, ponies and donkeys can continue their ongoing rehabilitation, whilst at the same time we will be making space at our centres for more equines to be admitted. We have more equines undergoing intensive veterinary treatment, so they will need to remain in our care for some time yet but we urgently need to make room to help more emaciated, injured and cruelly-treated equines that will need to be brought in by our Animal Welfare Inspectors.

“Finding space is always a challenge, as we have limited isolation units and a lot of our wooden fencing was damaged during Storm Éowyn making it extra difficult when separating our equines, as we are in the process of repair work.

“Dash is one of our equines rescued last October, and he will be looking for a new home in the coming months. He was left tied to a fence at Ballinasloe Fair in an emaciated condition and covered in sores. Through his microchip, it was established that Dash was on the racecourse as recently as last July and had won over €20,000 in his racing career. Further enquiries revealed that, like many racehorses, he was sold on when he was not racing well. Sadly for Dash he passed through several hands and it is believed that he was used for trotting, before being rescued by the ISPCA.”

If you have a suitable spare stable or field shelter and are considering getting another equine as a companion animal visit ispca.ie/adoptions or email rehoming@ispca.ie. Donations can be made via ispca.ie/donations.