Safety is Gold!
As Olympic fever hits Britain the next week, The British Horse Society is warning riders to be extra vigilant to dangers caused during celebrations.
There will hopefully be many a cause to celebrate for us Brits in coming weeks; however, some forms of marking the occasion can be hazardous for our pets and livestock.
Chinese Lanterns for example are a pretty sight flying across the sky at night, but the potential for harm when they descend is catastrophic. The BHS has received terrible reports of internal and external injuries to horses and other livestock caused by wires from these lanterns. Many who marvel at the sight would be horrified to learn of the injuries and deaths horses and other animals have experienced due to these lanterns that are intended to celebrate and bring good luck.
The Society has been urging the public to take extra care when using lanterns, fireworks and car decorations, to help our four-legged-friends. However, owners still need to take extra care during this period to ensure their horses are happy and safe.
The charity offers the following advice to horse owners:
- Be VIGILANT!
- Ensure you check your fields and hedgerows for lanterns and spent fireworks regularly.
- Take extra care on the roads. Be aware that cars may be adorned with flags.
Report it
We hope that accidents won’t occur, but if they do we want to know about it. If no-one knows about problems, nothing can be done. The BHS has added a new form to its dedicated accident reporting website, www.horseaccidents.org.uk, which now allows owners to report any problems or concerns with lanterns. The form is one of 11 available on the site, other forms include matters such as issues with fireworks and another for road incidents. Don’t suffer in silence
For further press information and pictures, please contact our Press Officer: Alison Coleman, The British Horse Society, 02476 840463 or a.coleman@bhs.org.uk
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