Eight ponies that were rescued from Gelligaer Common in poor conditions have been rehomed with a horse sanctuary.
The horses were in such a poor condition that at the time, the RSPCA claimed their owners could be subject to potential animal welfare offences.
The animals have since been rehomed at Redwings Horse Sanctuary.
Concerns over the condition of the group were raised after Redwings’ Head of Welfare and Behaviour, Nic de Brauwere, and RSPCA inspector Christine McNeil visited the Gelligaer site in April.
After a harsh winter, the horses were suffering from a lack of nutrition, and it was decided that conditions were unlikely to change. Caerphilly County Borough Council enabled the rescue using powers under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and an appeal to find the owners was made.
Since removal, one pony has died, while another is within the RSPCA rehoming system. A foal was also born just two weeks after the rescue operation.
Following a lengthy legal process seven of the ponies have now been signed over into the permanent care of Redwings.
Commenting on the rescue, Redwings’ Head of Welfare and Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Nic de Brauwere, said: “There are so many ponies in need of help on the Common. It was a tough winter of course but this sadly combined with the actions of a number of irresponsible owners who are never brought to task for the indiscriminate breeding and poor management of their ponies.
“Redwings is operating at capacity and we do not really have any spare spaces, however these poor mares and foals were in such a bad way we just had to help them.
“The RSPCA and the council did an amazing job in taking action so swiftly, which to my mind saved these ponies’ lives. They will be sure of a happy and long life here with us at Redwings, which is the least they deserve after all they have been through.”
Caerphilly CBC Cabinet Member, Cllr Nigel George added, “I’d like to thank all parties involved for their efforts in ensuring a positive outcome to this situation, and we’re so pleased to hear the ponies are making a good recovery at their new homes with Redwings and the RSPCA”.
Donations can be made to support the ponies’ care at www.redwings.org.uk/donating, or by texting HORS30 £5 to 70070.