UK Rescue

Yearling saved from baler twine tangle after inappropriate tethering

A yearling found frightened and badly entangled in baler twine at the side of the road is well on her way to recovery after arriving at World Horse Welfare's Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre near Blackpool two weeks ago.

Posted on 13/05/2015

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Izzy was spotted tethered at the roadside by a member of the public who noticed she was in distress, having become wrapped up in her baler twine tether which was cutting into her legs and chest. Izzy’s owner agreed to sign her over and, working alongside the RSPCA, World Horse Welfare Field Officer Sarah Tucker was quickly able to get her to the safety of Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre for treatment.

Too young to be tethered, Izzy had panicked and the baler twine rope round her neck had ended up tangled round her legs and chest where the harsh material had resulted in several painful wounds that needed urgent treatment by the experienced team at Penny Farm.

Izzy’s leg was so badly damaged from the twine that it needed to be stapled then cleaned and bandaged every day, plus she was also suffering from a skin condition and lice infestation but thanks to the World Horse Welfare team her wounds are now healing well and she is expected to make a full recovery.

World Horse Welfare Field Officer, Sarah Tucker, said:

“Twine should never be used to tether a horse. Izzy’s case is a prime example of the serious consequences from inappropriate tethering, particularly when the horse is so young.
“Baler twine is clearly not a suitable material for tying a horse and in Izzy’s case has caused a lot of unnecessary pain and suffering which could have easily been avoided.”

Centre Manager Fran Williamson is delighted with Izzy’s progress:

“Izzy is making a great recovery and is behaving like a perfect patient. We’re confident that once she has undergone rehabilitation in our centre she has a really bright future ahead and will hopefully be a fantastic candidate for our rehoming scheme.”