Action urged over dead horse in river for 11 days
The body of the horse had been in the water near Wordsley Waterfall for more than 11 days, resident Julie Smith said
At a glance
Authorities are being called on to remove the body of a dead horse which has been in a river for more than 11 days
Resident Julie Smith said it was reported to her as being spotted on 11 March near Wordsley Waterfall, Staffordshire
Having contacted several organisations, she said none had taken action to remove the body
South Staffordshire Council said it was working to find a solution with other groups
- Published
Authorities are being urged to remove a dead horse which has been in a river for more than 11 days.
The animal's body was spotted on 11 March near Wordsley Waterfall on the River Stour, Staffordshire, according to resident Julie Smith.
After posting about it on Facebook, she said she had struggled to find an organisation to remove it.
South Staffordshire Council said it was working with other groups to find a solution.
"I just think there's no dignity for the animal," Ms Smith said.
The body has become lodged among debris at the side of the river, near Stourbridge.
Ms Smith, who works with a friend to rescue and help horses in the area, said the smell from the body "is horrendous" and she was concerned children might come across it.
No owner had come forward to claim the horse despite several appeals on social media, she added.
"It just needs someone to get it out. I'm not an expert, it is difficult but it's not fair that everyone passes the buck," Ms Smith added.
Dealing with the situation was not among the local authority's services or responsibilities, a spokesperson for South Staffordshire Council said.
It does not have the resources to remove the body safely but it said it would be "continuing to investigate the issue with partners with a view to finding a resolution".
As the circumstances around the death did not seem to be suspicious, the RSPCA said it had not started an investigation.
“As a charity we have to prioritise our resources so our emergency responders are able to attend calls of animals in urgent need," a spokesperson added.
The responsibility to remove the body lay with either the owner of the land or the owner of the animal, a spokesperson for the Environment Agency said.
"We are able to respond to such incidents only if the watercourse becomes blocked and poses a risk of flooding," they added.
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