Dogs and Horses are living in squalor. They are chained to makeshift shelters and kept outside in unbelievable conditions and in all weathers. The bitches are bred incessantly - the horses are tethered so tightly they can't turn their heads. We want all animals removed from the site lawfully and a lifetime ban imposed on the keeping of animals on this site - owned by Bradford Council.
We want all animals to be lawfully and legally removed from the Esholt Gypsy Site near Bradford. The dogs and horses are living in squalor. They are chained to makeshift shelters and kept outside in unbelievable conditions and in all weathers. The bitches are bred incessantly - the horses are tethered so tightly they can't turn their heads. We want all animals removed from the site lawfully and a lifetime ban imposed on the keeping of animals on this site which is owned by Bradford Council.
The RSPCA believes that the welfare of an animal includes its physical and mental state, and that good animal welfare implies both fitness and a sense of well-being.The RSPCA believes that the Five Freedoms created by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council provide a base from which to consider the welfare of an animal;
- Freedom from hunger or thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour
- Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment
- Freedom to express (most) normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind
- Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering
Its quite obvious that these Five Freedoms are NOT met at the Esholt site. Please please try to help us save those poor animals from their lives of misery.
A quote from one of the supporters sums this us 'It is about time that Bradford City Council stepped in to end this abuse and neglect. You have the powers so use them. Lets have a multi agency approach to tackle this.'
Post Script - We understand the RSPCA visited the site today, 18th January 2016. They found only 6 dogs and 3 horses - all of whom were passed to be fit and healthy with decent shelters, on hard standing not mud. Our question is this - where have the other 5 dogs (there were 11 dogs there on Saturday) and 16 horses (19 horses on the site on Saturday) been moved too ? At least two of the dogs are pregnant (one spaniel and one lurcher), and there are some chihuahua puppies around too. We fully understamd the RSPCA can only act within the law - but it might be useful to investigate the whereabouts of these remaining animals are. They will all be moved back as soon as they think they are not being watched.
