A SHETLAND pony was found in Upton-upon-Severn struggling to walk because of an armpit injury which was dripping with blood.
The animal was found straying along Hanley Road last Friday, July 3, by two members of the public who contacted the RSPCA.
The charity has launched an appeal and investigation to ascertain how he came to be there.
Officers found he had no microchip so tracking down a possible owner has proved tough and it points to the fact he could have been dumped.
RSPCA inspector Emily Cheeseman said: ““He had to be transported to the vets for treatment and stitches straight away and unfortunately due to the severity of his injury he’s still at the equine hospital but we’re really hopeful he’ll pull through.
“We’re calling him Axl as it’s a little bit like Axilla, which is the correct term for where his injury was on the body, and Axl sounds like a little rocker pony which certainly suits his hair style.
“I’m hoping that someone will know who he belongs to, or have seen something that might help us to trace the person or people who dumped this poor pony.
“Anyone with any information should call us on our inspector appeal line 0300 123 8018 and ask to leave a message for me.”
The RSPCA is bracing itself for a surge in abandoned animals caused by the Covid crisis and the financial impact on owners which may mean many can no longer afford to keep their pets.
Typically, the charity sees abandonment peak in the summer months.
Between June and August 2019, 16,519 animals were reported abandoned to the RSPCA which accounts for 30% of all animals reported abandoned that year.
During the summer months the charity received 149 reports about dumped animals in Worcestershire.
The RSPCA is braced for an even bigger impact this summer following the easing of lockdown and the financial impact on the coronavirus pandemic, and has launched an emergency appeal to continue its vital rescue work.
During the three months since lockdown began*, the RSPCA has received reports about 3,492 abandoned animals* – about 40 calls a day – including 1,509 dogs, 1,165 cats, 299 small furries such as hamsters, guinea pigs and ferrets and 275 exotic pets.
Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA’s animal rescue teams, said: “During lockdown we’ve seen pets become a source of comfort and support for people and it appears many people have taken on new animals.
“Fortunately during this time we’ve dealt with fewer abandoned pets however we are worried that as lockdown eases, people return to work, go on holidays or struggle financially we will be facing a massive surge of animal abandonments.”
RSPCA rescue teams have been working throughout lockdown after being classified as essential key workers.
The numbers of animals being cared for by the RSPCA has risen by more than 1,500 to 5,600 during the pandemic
The RSPCA has issued advice to people if they are struggling to pay for their pets’ upkeep.
Ask friends and family for help
Contact their vet about payment plans, discounts or vouchers for neutering or any other treatment needed
Get in touch with local rehoming charities for advice
Visit the RSPCA website for welfare advice
