Hedon animal-lover Julie Flynn ordered to return rescued pony by police
AN ANIMAL-lover has revealed why she felt compelled to take a pony after it was attacked by dogs.
Julie Flynn, who has been rescuing horses for years, said the animal had been attacked by dogs and had bricks thrown at it by passers-by as it was tethered to a post on wasteland in east Hull.
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CONCERNED: Julie Flynn, of Hedon, took a pony from wasteland in east Hull after she became increasingly concerned about its welfare. Picture: Kate Woolhouse
Having contacted the RSPCA and exhausting all possible options of moving the animal to a safer environment, Mrs Flynn took matters into her own hands.
She said: "It's no life for a pony being tethered up all of the time, frightened and alone.
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"I went round and spoke to the man whose name was on the pony's documents as the owner and he said I could take the pony to my stables.
"Another man, who then claimed to own the horse, told me to give it back and it was reported as stolen.
"People had told me about the abuse from youths and that dogs had attacked it and I tried everything I could.
"I phoned the RSPCA and they spoke to the owners but felt it was OK where it was."
A spokeswoman for The RSPCA said they were contacted about the tethered pony, which had been attacked by two dogs on Sunday, October 7.
She said: "An inspector went straight out and the horse had a serious injury to its muzzle, which required immediate veterinary attention.
"The RSPCA called a vet and paid for initial emergency treatment in order to make it comfortable.
"We did ask the owner if they wanted to sign the horse over to us as the treatment was going to be expensive, but they declined.
"The owner paid for the horse to have additional treatment, which was carried out by the same vet on the scene."
She said while The RSPCA isn't in favour of tethering horses, providing it is done correctly, it isn't illegal and they had no further concerns for the animal's welfare.
However, Mrs Flynn, of Hedon, feels the black and white pony is still in danger being on land off Poorhouse Lane, near Preston Road.
She said: "At first, it seemed OK for me to take it and look after it until we could find somewhere better for it.
"But now I've been told by police it has to go back and the owners are arranging transport.
"In my eyes, I didn't steal it because the owner knew I was taking it but I have lost sleep over this.
"At the moment, it's being kept in a stable and I'm feeding it hay and carrots.
"People have said they are pleased I took it and I'm devastated it can't stay with me."
Mrs Flynn said her main aim was to offer the pony a safe place to live and she has even offered to buy it for £400.
She said: "I have four horses and I just couldn't stand by and let it be abused by people.
"I'm upset the RSPCA haven't done more because it is being taunted and it's not good for the animal.
"It's unbelievable it's come to this. The pony is happy at the stables and I can't bear to watch it leave."
A spokeswoman for Humberside Police said they had investigated the claims and they are taking no further action against Mrs Flynn.
Comments
by doorwoman
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 8:27PM
“well said staneasthull these people know nothing of what the RSPCA do and what the staff at the hull branch deal with on a daily basis. If you all put as much effort into trying to help change the law on tethering horses as you do moaning on here it would change quicker. I would just like to add that your all praising this lady but when all said and done she did steal the pony after been told by the police and RSPCA to leave it where it was.”
by campsx
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 11:21AM
“bt13jz the people that own this horse are not travelleres and they dnt think there above the law either and why should julie think she,s abovethe law after being told by the police and the rspca to leave the pony alone but she still went ahead and took it which is therefore theft.”
by Staneasthull
Tuesday, October 16 2012, 1:46PM
“Its funny how you all call RSPCA but it is the first place you all ring when you want help or want rid of your own pet. The salarys you quote are not what is paid at the local branch who raise there own funds to keep the branch open. While I can understand the distress of findng the pony in such a state it is still illegal to steal from the rightful owner. You also seem to have missed the point that the RSPCA got a vet and paid for initial treatment not bad for a group of people who dont care. If you want the law on tethering horses to change contact your loca M.P. and get them to change the law don't have a go at the people who are left to uphold it.”
by cazmarelda
Monday, October 15 2012, 7:46AM
“I would also be happy to donate if the 'owner' is wanting more money to let the pony go...just let us know how Julie.”
by chunkyfish
Sunday, October 14 2012, 10:23PM
“And why oh why do we let people tether horses when its not even their land. Can I buy a flock of sheep and leave them there....think someone might have something to say....”
by chunkyfish
Sunday, October 14 2012, 10:21PM
“RSPCA total waste of time with an overpaid staff regime. Most of the donations go to pay extortionate wages.”
by Duckerella
Sunday, October 14 2012, 9:05PM
“Let's hope the powers that be see sense - Julie, you are fab - caring for this gorgeous creature and giving it food, shelter and love. I really hope that this lovely pony can stay safely with you. I'd be happy to sign any petition or chip in towards the cost of the pony should this owner wise-up and decide to sell.”
by bt13jz
Sunday, October 14 2012, 8:40PM
“campsx
"the people will be pursuing to make sure charges are brought as it was theft" ...
Its funny how travellers will communicate with the police when it is in their intrest... I thought the owners would have been grateful someone cared...
If they cared about your ponies they would protect them always - end of!
Hypocrites - you live outside the law but turn to it when you want your own way!”
by tosh1958
Sunday, October 14 2012, 7:13PM
“campsx lets get things right having horses tethered on sides of roads etc is out of order and a public nuisance as well as equating to people keeping animals on the cheap, so stop making excuses.”
by matti403
Sunday, October 14 2012, 3:08PM
“it might be a futile effort but i wonder if the owner would take more money? i would be willing to chip in £100 to make sure this animal stays with you, and i wonder if any charities could help chip in”