NINETEEN Shire horses have been found new homes after they were found fly-grazing in Bewdley.

A multi-agency round-up operation was carried out after a landowner called Redwings Horse Sanctuary to report a large group of Shire horses fly-grazing on his land, in Bewdley.

On November 10, Redwings joined forces with the Blue Cross, Bransby Horses, HorseWorld, RSPCA and World Horse Welfare to round-up the group - which included mares with foals at foot.

A notice was issued for the owner to claim the horses, but sadly to no avail. Under the Control of Horses Act 2015, ownership was subsequently transferred to the landowner - who requested the help of Redwings to secure the future of the horses, as he was not able to provide the care these heavy horses require.

Following a visit and assessment of the horses by Redwings' senior field officer, Julie Harding, concerns were also raised for the welfare of the horses with the onset of winter and in light of the youngsters and foals being completely unhandled.

During the 15-hour rescue operation, all 19 horses were successfully removed from the site. Redwings offered a home to six horses - four mares, two of which had foals at foot. Four horses were offered homes by the RSPCA, three by HorseWorld, and Bransby Horses, Blue Cross and World Horse Welfare all offered homes to two horses each.

Nic de Brauwere, Redwings' head of welfare and behaviour, said: "It is safe to say that had we not intervened the welfare of this group would have been at great risk, especially with the approaching winter.

"No provisions had been made by the former owner for their ongoing care, nor had the youngsters received any type of handling, owing to a complete lack of basic care.

"This round-up is an example of both the effectiveness of the Control of Horses Act and of successful partnership working among the welfare charities to secure the future of a group of horses, the outlook for whom would otherwise have been extremely concerning."

Redwings' senior field officer, Julie Harding, said: "I cannot comprehend why such a low value was placed on these beautiful animals to fly-graze them in the first place and then not to come forward to claim them - it really saddens me.

"Thankfully, together with our colleagues at our fellow welfare charities, we were able to offer these mares and foals a home where they will be treasured."

Gareth Johnson, equine rehoming officer for the RSPCA, said: "This was a great example of how we as horse welfare charities come together really effectively when needed.

"We were concerned for the welfare of two mares and their foals in particular, and we have now transported all four to a private boarding yard where they have been seen by a farrier and will receive all the care they need until they are ready to find new homes.

"The foals are between just three and six-month-old, so being fly-grazed puts them at real risk, but now they are in our care their future is much brighter."

Sarah Hollister, equine yard manager at HorseWorld, said: "We have an 'old girl' who will spend her golden years here at HorseWorld, with all the care she deserves, as well as two youngsters who now have a bright future ahead of them."

Vicki Alford, horse manager at Blue Cross, added: "This situation is a great example of what can be achieved by welfare charities if we all pull together.

"These horses were likely to have suffered a very bleak winter without our intervention and we are so pleased to have been able to offer safe sanctuary for two of the horses. Both are doing well."