In a significant step towards improving the welfare and safety of loose horses across the county, Lincolnshire Police and Bransby Horses have partnered. Following 130 incidents of loose horses in the past 12 months, Lincolnshire Police’s Rural Crime Unit are now better equipped to manage such situations thanks to donated headcollars and lead ropes from Bransby Horses.
The essential equipment—20 headcollars and lead ropes—were initially donated by Cobbs Country Store to Bransby Horses. Recognising the critical role the police play in responding to loose horse incidents, Bransby Horses passed the equipment on to Lincolnshire Police’s Rural Crime Unit to ensure officers are prepared when they encounter horses in need.
This equipment is now available in police stations across the county and every rural crime team response vehicle. Officers can now act swiftly and safely when managing loose horses, ensuring the welfare of the animals and the safety of the public and officers.
The headcollars are fitted with QR codes, which when scanned with a smartphone, provide officers with information on how to approach, catch and lead an equine, as well as contact details for Bransby Horses and other charities.
Bransby Horses, with its expertise in horse rescue and welfare, has long worked with local authorities to assist in situations involving loose or abandoned horses. This collaboration with Lincolnshire Police’s Rural Crime Unit further strengthens the charity’s efforts to protect horses in the community.
A spokesperson from Bransby Horses said, “We are delighted to support the Rural Crime Unit by donating these headcollars and lead ropes. It’s important that those on the front line are equipped to handle situations involving horses safely and this donation will help ensure horses are brought to safety quickly.”
This collaboration highlights the importance of developing relationships between animal welfare organisations and law enforcement to address issues impacting rural communities. Together, Bransby Horses and Lincolnshire Police are making Lincolnshire a safer place for horses and those who care for them.
