Community / Warning made over feeding grass cuttings to horses
Cut grass can be a choking hazard to horses and can also result in health complications
PEOPLE have been reminded not to feed horses cut grass and garden waste due to the danger and risk it could pose to the animals.
Rheanne Williamson said people had recently given grass cuttings to her horses in a field in Voe.
But cut grass is known to be a choking hazard for horses, while it can contribute to the animals developing colic, a potentially life-threatening stomach pain.
Horses cannot vomit, which exacerbates the risk of choking and colic.
Williamson, who owns three horses, said she wanted to raise awareness of the dangers.
“Grass cuttings might seem like a nice treat for a horse, however it can – and quite often does – become deadly, very quickly,” she said.
This is backed up by the British Horse Society (BHS), which says many horses have died as a result of people putting lawn mowings into fields.
The society said the sudden change in diet could also give rise to hoof pain, while garden waste could potentially include poisonous plants.
It also warns against feeding horses certain foods, such ones high in sugar.
The key piece of advice is to not feed other people’s horses without permission.
The society’s website says: “Getting out and about in your local area or further afield and enjoying everything the great outdoors has to offer may mean you’re more likely to encounter horses whether that’s in the fields or when accessing paths that run alongside equine paddocks.
“Although it may seem harmless to approach horses and feed them, the BHS have received reports of horses being seriously injured, made extremely ill, and sadly in some cases, having died because members of the public have fed them, put grass cuttings in their field, or because of actions such as not closing a gate.”
Williamson added: “Too many owners I know have had to deal with devastating loss of animal due to people feeding them, it is hugely important to spread knowledge and awareness.
“Do not feed any animal any kind of food without permission from the owner.”
More information on be found on the British Horse Society website.
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