Abandoned pony highlights importance of identification

British charity The Blue Cross is urging horse owners to make sure their animals have suitable identification after the well cared for pony was found tied to a fence in Buckinghamshire in January.

Because the pony is not microchipped or freeze branded, there is no means of accurately identifying him and tracing his owner.

The 13.2-hand cob gelding was originally found by the RSPCA, who took him to The Blue Cross equine centre in Burford.

A public appeal for the owner to come forward was unsuccessful and he was eventually signed over to The Blue Cross.

Named Hugo by centre staff, he is being carefully assessed and is in good condition. He is used to being handled. It is hoped he will eventually be suitable for rehoming via the popular Blue Cross loan scheme.

Vicki Alford, who manages the charity's equine centre Burford said: "We are unsure if it was intentional, accidental or an unfortunate misdeed that this pony was so sadly abandoned, but it is highly likely that someone is devastated by his disappearance.

"This could have been so easily prevented had the pony been clearly and permanently identified with a microchip or freezemark, which would have enabled the owner to be traced quickly and efficiently."

All horses and ponies belonging to The Blue Cross are microchipped as a preferred method of permanent identification. This is in addition to complying with horse passport legislation, under which all equines have a unique identification document.

The charity also advises that keepers of horses and ponies should employ suitable standards of security to protect the animals from misadventure and theft. The use of security signs and marks on stables, fences and rugs, indicating that the horses are microchipped or freezemarked, are good deterrents and should form part of the security plan.