Guidelines released to prevent animal cruelty in Welwyn Hatfield

GUIDELINES on who to call if a dead or injured animal is spotted in Times Territory have been released. The information, supplied by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, follows reports in the WHT about the mistreatment and abandonment of horses, which led

GUIDELINES on who to call if a dead or injured animal is spotted in Times Territory have been released.

The information, supplied by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, follows reports in the WHT about the mistreatment and abandonment of horses, which led to complaints from the public about authorities' apparent lack of compassion.

One horse had to be put down after being found starved, while another horse lay dead for five days on a bridleway before it was removed.

In both cases, residents called the newsdesk to say they felt the police, the RSPCA and the borough and county councils had been slow to react.

In co-operation with Hertfordshire Police and the RSPCA, the council has issued the guidelines to avoid confusion over who is responsible in specific circumstances, should a similar incident occur.

A spokeswoman for Welwyn Hatfield Council said: "Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council supports the work of the RSPCA, the police and other authorities to alleviate animal cruelty.

"The dead horse that was found on the public bridleway near Essendon in recent weeks was regrettably distressing to members of the public. The council endeavours to work quickly to establish responsibility for removal, in order to minimise exposure and anguish of our residents in such circumstances."