Mare found tethered with a metal head collar in Ierapetra

On their walk to the beach, the founders of the charity Walk with the Donkeys, passed by a field between Stomion and Kalogeroi (Ierapetra area), in which the lovely mare of the photo wearing a metallic head collar. The mare is considered to be of the native Cretan breed. As you can see from the pictures, the horse looks well-looked after, but she was standing in the heat (40 degrees celsius approximately) -with this collar. We can see also that the collar exercises some pressure on this creature’s face. Marks have also been noticed, while too many  flies were disturbing the animal. There are also thoughts that she might be pregnant as well.

The problem is, the collar can get too hot under such high temperatures and cause a burn. Also, there have been cases when the collar actually gets embedded in a horse’s face, causing severe damage and pain. Here are some links, whose content is disturbing, but hopefully alarming:

• “Star the two-month old foal left with horrific wounds after owner left halter on for MONTHS as it cut into his growing head” -Daily Mail
• “Gerry saved from the terrible pain of his embedded head collar” -Horzetalk
• “GERRY” -My Lovely Horse Rescue

The charity Walk with the Donkeys are happy to donate to the owner of this mare a proper equine headcollar. If you are the owner or if you know them, please contact the charity here:

Tel: +30 6976088547 , +30 6934264012

Email: info@walkwithdonkeys.com

Photos taken:

We hope that the owner is found and takes advantage of this generous offer and advice. A big thanks to Mrs. Suzie Barbour and Mr. Alistair Barbour, founders of Walk with the Donkeys for raising awareness about equine welfare in our area.