A FYLDE horse-lover is highlighting the plight of animals destined for the meat market.
Shelly Jagger has recently rescued a mare called Zorelle from a "fattening farm" in France.
The horse, who is due to give birth to a foal in two months time, is currently being cared for in Essex, but will eventually be brought to the Fylde.
Sh
elly, 23, from Cleveleys, who works as a saddle fitter, says recent events in Buckinghamshire – where 31 dead horses, ponies and donkeys were found at a farm – demonstrates the appalling fate many animals are facing.
She spent almost £900 rescuing Zorelle.
Now she is urging other animal-lovers to support charities which are trying to rescue more unwanted horses.
Shelly said: "Zorelle originally lived as a wild horse on the Spanish prairies in a herd. She would have been bought by the meat man from the owner of the land and transported to a fattening farm in France.
"Zorelle narrowly escaped by two days. She faced a journey in cramped conditions in the back of a wagon with several other horses, not tied up and receiving no food or water, on a four-day trip from France to Italy in the heat of summer.
"Many charities are trying to do something but they need donations."
Shelly's intervention follows similar action by another Fylde equestrian.
Jeanette Abosetta from Thornton rescued 18-month-old Sultan who was also just days away from being slaughtered.
Meanwhile, the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH), which has a sanctuary at Penny Farm near Blackpool, is appealing for anyone who can rehome horses to get in touch.
It rescued animals from Buckinghamshire, but its resources are limited.
ILPH deputy chief executive Tony Tyler said: "We have horses and ponies ready to be rehomed from our centres in Norfolk, Lancashire, Somerset and Aberdeenshire, and finding homes for them will help us deal with recent admissions."
- If you are able to take a horse or pony on loan, visit the ILPH loan scheme website at www.ilph.org/hls
