Arty, a 12-year-old piebald cob, was found abandoned on a road in Somerset in a severely neglected state—overweight with a head-collar embedded into his skin causing deep wounds. Rescued by the RSPCA and given urgent veterinary care, Arty required specialist ongoing treatment and a permanent home. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary in Devon has now taken him in at their Newton Abbot centre, where he is receiving continued health assessments and care as he begins his recovery.
The sanctuary’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, Dawn Vincent, highlighted Arty’s traumatic past, including obesity-related health risks and mite infestation, but praised his gentle nature and character. After quarantine and ensuring he is free from infections, Arty will join one of the sanctuary’s equine herds to enjoy a natural, social environment. The RSPCA inspector involved in his rescue commended his calm demeanor despite his painful injuries and expressed hope for his new life.
Arty’s case underscores the broader issue of animal abandonment, with the RSPCA investigating over 22,000 such reports in 2024 alone—averaging more than 61 incidents daily. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary encourages supporters to follow Arty’s progress and help raise awareness to protect vulnerable animals like him.
