Please don't take dogs to Appleby Horse Fair

Largest visitor numbers expected at this year's event
 

03.06.11

With visitor numbers expected to soar at this year's Appleby Horse Fair, we're urging pet owners not to take their dogs to the event, which is taking place in the Cumbrian town between Thursday, 2 to Wednesday, 8 June.

An estimated 30,000 people usually visit Appleby during the fair - in addition to around 10,000 Gypsies and travellers - and many of them bring their four-legged friends.

With enquiries to the town's Tourist Information Centre up by 40 per cent, this is a cause for concern.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Rob Melloy said:

We are very concerned that an increase in visitors will result in larger numbers of dogs and the problems that brings.

This is a horse fair and for the sake of both the horses and dogs, we are encouraging people to leave their pets at home.

Dogs die in hot cars

Chief Inspector Melloy continued:

In the past, dogs have died after being left in cars and there have been a number of close calls. This year's weather forecast suggests it'll be another hot few days.

We'll be working with Cumbria Constabulary to operate a zero-tolerance approach to dogs in cars. Any dog left in a car will be removed and their owner could face prosecution.

People must realise what they're doing could have fatal consequences, as we've seen in the past.

Leaving a dog in a hot car has the same kind of effect as putting it in a microwave. They are literally cooked alive, in what is a horrendous death.

Opening a window simply isn't enough. Please, don't do it.

 

Selling dogs at the fair is illegal 

We're also reminding people that selling dogs at the fair is illegal and buying them is certainly not a good idea.

Chief Inspector Melloy said:

People just don't know what they're getting.

Last year we worked with police to seize a number of puppies that were being sold illegally which turned out to have the often fatal parvovirus.

One had to be put to sleep to end its suffering.

A team effort to ensure animal welfare isn't compromised

We will be assisted by a number of other animal welfare organisations at the event, all of which will be working together to ensure animal welfare isn't compromised.

There will be:

• 31 RSPCA officers and an RSPCA vet
• four field officers from World Horse Welfare
• two vets and a logistics manager from Redwings Horse Sanctuary
• two horse handlers and a horse ambulance from The Blue Cross
• the head of welfare, three welfare officers and one vet from The Donkey Sanctuary.

Chief Inspector Melloy said:

This is a big event involving large numbers of horses and other animals and, whilst the vast majority of people attending treat their animals well, sadly there are some that do not.

We want to do everything possible to ensure that the animals receive the care they need and their owners can be dealt with appropriately, where necessary.

 

'Vet station' for any animal welfare concerns

There'll be a 'vet station' at Salt Tip Corner where anyone with any concerns about an animal can see someone. It will be staffed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (3-5 June) between 10am and 4pm.

Representatives from the animal welfare charities, which are all members of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), will also be manning an information stand on Salt Tip Corner to talk to Gypsies and travellers about their horses.

More about Appleby Horse Fair.

The RSPCA is a member of the Multi Agency Strategic Coordinating Group (MASCG) which aims to make Appleby Horse Fair a safer and more enjoyable event for residents, visitors, Gypsies and travellers.
 

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Related information

Dogs die in hot cars - advice on how to keep dogs cool

Our horses - understanding the welfare needs of horses and ponies

Get Puppy Smart - advice and tips if you're planning on buying a puppy 
 

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