An emaciated and frightened pony, nicknamed Niko, was found abandoned and trapped between gates on a public footpath in Doncaster. After being rescued and assessed by a vet, Niko was taken to a safe place by the RSPCA and equine charity Bransby Horses. The RSPCA is appealing for information about who abandoned Niko, emphasizing that while many people face financial difficulties, abandoning animals is never the solution and urging those struggling to seek support.

Niko’s case highlights a worrying rise in animal abandonments, with reports to the RSPCA reaching a six-year high—24,270 incidents by October 2024, including 660 in South Yorkshire. To address the increasing demand, the RSPCA has launched the Big Give Back to Animals appeal to raise funds and offers a cost of living hub to support struggling owners. The charity warns that with colder months approaching, the welfare of vulnerable animals like horses and ponies could worsen.