Horse owners warned to step up security
HORSE owners are being warned to freeze-brand or microchip their horses to protect them from thieves.
RSPCA officers have had reports of a spate of attempted thefts from stables across Bolton.
And they are encouraging owners to step up security in time for the summer horse sales.
Kathy Kay, of RSCPA's Bolton branch, said this microchipping made it almost impossible for thieves to sell on the animals.
Freeze-branding kills the horse's hair follicles so the hair grows back white, leaving a "tattoo".
She said: "The thefts are not specifically targeting types of horse, they are taking whatever they can get their hands on.
"Particularly people who live in remote areas should visit their horse as often as possible. Double-check your horse morning and night and make sure you have adequate fencing to make it impossible for anyone to break in.
"I recommend that people who own horses freeze-brand or microchip them. They are both virtually painless procedures."
Ms Kay, who believes travellers are to blame for the thieving spree, recommends that horse lovers round up their animal and have them branded or chipped at the same time to save the veterinary call-out charge.
The latest raid was on March 16, when two horses were saddled-up and stolen from a farm in Regent Road, Lostock. Thieves removed the stable doors, before riding the animals away. They have since been recovered.
In December, horse riding tack worth £20,000 was stolen after thieves smashed their way into Matchmoor Riding Centre in Matchmoor Lane, Horwich, and used specialist cutting equipment to break into metal storage containers.
Sarah Sitton, owner of Ryders Farm Equestrian Centre, Manchester Road, Kearsley, said: "We recommend microchipping. The number on the microchip is then stored on a database which is your proof of ownership."
She said installing CCTV was effective but expensive and so ensuring someone visited sites where horses are kept at least once daily could help alert owners to suspicious activity.
10:38am Thursday 27th March 2008
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