The campus horse that grazes in a field by Wentworth roundabout has received a visit from the RSPCA this week, prompting new concerns as to the welfare of the gelding and the identity of his owners.
Students have expressed their relief that action has finally been taken. Oscar Mandy, a first year History student said, “I’m glad somebody’s doing something about [the horse], I’ve seen drunken students try to ride it; it’s not a great environment for an animal to live in.”
There were also concerns about the horse’s proximity to University Road and constant exposure to pollution from vehicles.
Though the RSPCA were not permitted to make a comment relating to this case, their website confirms that tethering is not a recommended way of keeping a horse, particularly for long periods of time.
Horses have frequently been tethered on the piece of land, and around three years ago a horse was removed following a formal complaint to the RSPCA.
Further, as reported last year by Vision, the horse made a dramatic escape and galloped down University Road and Fifth Avenue causing havoc.
A University spokesperson stated, “We have asked the owner to move the horse tethered on the grassed area next to University Road to a more suitable location.”