The RSPCA has released CCTV footage of a man they believe is responsible for working a horse to death at the infamous Appleby Horse Fair.
A three-year-old skewbald trotter collapsed at Jubilee Bridge at around 3pm yesterday, as travellers in the tens of thousands flocked to the Cumbrian town to celebrate their heritage and culture. The Daily Star has been told the stallion’s temperature was “very high” and that he was “covered in rubs”.
The horse was allegedly “worked until he dropped”, sparking outrage amongst fellow travellers and animal lovers, who have both condemned the “inexcusable act of cruelty”.
READ MORE: Appleby Horse Fair’s wildest moments as village locks down for Travellers’ arrival
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In a statement sent to the Daily Star, RSPCA chief inspector Rob Melloy said: “This person has let themselves, their family and of course this poor horse down, who undoubtedly suffered before he died.”
(Image: RSPCA)
He added: “This incident is a very disappointing way to have started the Fair today, where there are so many examples of good horsemanship, and we know a lot of people will be upset to hear about this.”
Gypsy representatives Billy Welch and Bill Lloyd also slammed the cruel act, saying they were “sickened and saddened” to have heard the news. They said they are “fully supportive” of the RSPCA’s efforts to improve horse welfare and said such an incident hasn’t occurred before.
“Appleby is one of the greatest celebrations of the horse in Europe and this tragic event is a stain on the Fair that will be hard to wash out,” they added. “The Fair attracts a diverse mix of people including Gypsies and Travellers, but the majority are settled people. The standard of horsemanship among Gypsy people is usually high and they are often among the first to report abuse at the Fair when they see it.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Welch and Lloyd urged the public to not “leap to any conclusions” until all the facts are known. The RSPCA has asked anyone who knows who is responsible for the incident to contact its special appeal line on 0300 123 8018 or police on 101.
The unofficial event, which is known as the biggest traditional Gypsy Fair in Europe, garners around 40,000 visitors each year — and has existed under the protection of a charter granted by James II since 1685. But the “Wild West” event has divided locals, with many saying they feel “unsafe” during the weekend.
Boozers vowed to close the shutters on their businesses ahead of this year’s event, as locals complain of lewd acts like urine being splashed onto their vehicles occurring. A survey last year of 500 locals also found that 93% think their taxpayer money shouldn’t be used for policing the event and the subsequent clean-up.
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