When I was young and our family owned donkeys, theft was a topic rarely discussed, despite being common in the decades before the 1970s. Today, thanks to social media, global charities, and media networks, we’re more informed about individual cases and the overall extent of equine theft. The most memorable horse theft from my childhood was the notorious case of Shergar in 1983, which involved a ransom demand.
Nowadays, equines serve various purposes—some for racing and profit, others as pets, in therapeutic care farms, or residing in sanctuaries. The theft of horses, ponies, and donkeys is now widely publicised on social media, through major charities, and in television programs, which has increased our awareness. This heightened visibility might lead us to believe that thefts have increased compared to earlier decades.
The primary motive behind equine theft today remains the sale of the stolen animals.
Blue Cross, a well-known animal charity, says the following:
“Luckily horse theft is rare, but it can be an incredibly distressing experience for both horses and owners. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimise the risk of theft.”
Blue Cross – January 2024
Is horse theft uncommon?
Based on reported thefts between January 1, 2019, and May 31, 2022, according to the Metropolitan Police, the statistics suggest low occurrence. However, with the widespread use of social media where thefts are frequently shared, public perception may differ from the actual numbers.
Nevertheless, the experience of losing an equine is distressing and emotionally challenging.
| Type | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horse | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Donkey | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Pony | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Shetland Pony | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Methods of horse, donkey and pony theft in the UK?
Another time she got out and was grazing in the yard of an abandoned house. My cousin saw her, as she lives right beside the house, and noticed that some guy in a truck was sitting there watching my girl. She called me, told me that my girl was out and that there was a guy out watching her that she didn’t know. While I had to go get my stuff to catch my mare, my cousin went out to watch the guy. It was a good thing she did, too, because before I arrived she went out there as the guy was getting out of his truck with a rope. She talked to him and told him that my girl belonged to me (her cousin) and that I was coming to get her… that guy left really fast. Thank goodness for my cousin.
Britt – 2010
Experienced criminals move quickly with a well-planned strategy to take your horse with minimal disturbance. It’s crucial to remain vigilant at all times and secure your property. Never let your guard down, even with seemingly friendly individuals, as there may be ulterior motives at play.
Night-time theft of equines: Thieves often strike under the cover of darkness, targeting secluded or poorly secured areas. They carefully select the location and equine beforehand, scouting out the layout of the land, stables, and yards. This information is then used to execute the theft of your horse, pony, or donkey.
Stealing by deception: Some thieves or accomplices pose as potential buyers or caretakers, gaining access to the animals through false promises. They exploit processes like horse loans or sales to steal animals.
Horsebox theft: Horseboxes carrying horses or ponies are attractive targets for thieves. In some cases, thieves steal both the vehicle and the animals inside. To safeguard against this, ensure your postcode is on the horsebox and use visible warning signs to deter thieves. When the horsebox is parked, consider using a wheel clamp for added security.
Experienced criminals will act fast with a plan already hatched to take your horse with minimal fuss. You must be vigilant at all times and secure your property.
Recognising signs your equine may be targeted
“The police were contacted by a resident of the north Cotswolds who had discovered their horse’s mane had been plaited during the night.”
Equisupermarket
Equines are sometimes targeted by organised criminals who carefully select their targets before committing theft. Your horse, pony, or donkey might be chosen by someone scouting for easy-to-steal animals. Homes and properties are sometimes marked to signal to thieves which ones to target.
Look out for roadside markings or unusual items like bags tied to gates or stables. Stay vigilant and regularly check on your equine. Watch for any signs of marking on your horse or property and if you suspect your property has been marked for theft, notify the police, local Facebook groups and Horse Watch organisations. Contact nearby liveries, independent horse owners, and equestrian centres to alert them to the potential risk.
Consider moving your equine to a safer and more secure location if you notice any suspicious signs or activity. Keeping your animals safe is key to preventing theft.
Understanding the reasons behind horse, pony and donkey theft
“Today is a defining moment in our nearly century-long and founding campaign. The passage of this law ensures that no horse, pony or donkey will legally be exported from Great Britain for slaughter and while this is a monumental step forward, plenty more needs to be achieved to effectively combat the illegal export of equines from the country. This will rely on the new law being effectively enforced and the introduction of full traceability of all equines, and we look forward to working with Defra to achieve this. In the 21st century it is preposterous that equine ID is still based on a paper-based system, which simply provides an open door for horse smugglers.”
Roly Owers, World Horse Welfare Chief Executive – May 2024
Financial gain: Stolen horses can fetch hefty sums on the black market, especially if they’re purebred or high-value animals.
Stolen for profit: Some animals are stolen for profit, often for purposes like meat consumption, illegal racing, or underground equestrian events.
Personal vendettas: In certain cases, thefts are motivated by personal grudges, where thieves target specific animals to settle scores or intimidate owners.
Domestic abuse: Animals can become targets in cases of domestic abuse, used to exert control over victims. Abusers may harm, kill, or make pets disappear, sometimes destroying paperwork as well. There is equine fostering, giving your pet safety while you are in a safe refuge.
If you’re going through domestic abuse and need support, this website includes resources for equine foster care during refuge stays. Check out my TikTok channel on Domestic Abuse Awareness for more information.
Loan arrangements: Equine theft through loan arrangements, whether full, permanent, or part-time, is unfortunately common. Not everyone who takes responsibility for a loaned horse has malicious intent, but inadequate background checks can lead to theft.
For tips on safe horse loaning, I recommend reading the advice provided by The British Horse Society and downloading their horse loan written agreement.
Preventing horse, donkey or pony theft: essential tips
“Sadly, horse thefts do happen.”
World Horse Welfare
Ensuring equine security and identification is crucial for various reasons:
Equine Passport: Store the passport in a secure, locked place. It’s illegal to sell, slaughter, or export a horse without a valid passport. Ensure it’s kept away from your horse to prevent misuse or theft. The passport contains vital identification markings.
Photographs: Take photos of your equine from various angles and in different lighting conditions throughout the year. Focus on distinctive markings, scars, or whorls as these help in identifying a stolen horse. Keep these photos safe with other important documents in a separate location from your horse.
Microchip: Keep all microchip details up-to-date and include a backup contact. Regularly check with services like Check A Chip to ensure the information is correct and that scanners can detect the chip. Monitor your microchip account for any scans; platforms like Pet Database provide this service. Criminals may remove chips, so ensure yours is properly implanted and monitored.
Freeze Branding: This method changes the natural hair colour to white, visible on darker-coated equines and is used by trained operators with a chilled iron. It’s not suitable for white-haired horses, so consider bald branding which stops hair follicles from growing and pigmentation from forming. As freeze marks can fade over time, updates are required.
Tattooing: Another form of identification, tattooing complements freeze and hoof branding.
Hoof Branding: This is a burn method with your postcode burned into your equine’s hoof, and is a highly visible deterrent. Repeat every six months as hooves grow and apply to more than one hoof at different times for continual visibility.
Warning Signs: Display signs indicating your horses are branded, premises are alarmed, and equipped with security lights. Place these signs visibly.
Head Collars: Never leave head collars or lead ropes where they can be easily accessed by thieves. Avoid leaving a head collar on your horse when unattended, as it aids in capture.
Horse Watch Group: Join an official organisation for advice on securing your property and swift communication of theft information. Consider setting up a local Horse Watch group, utilising social media and WhatsApp, a message service, for rapid communication. WhatsApp is a free and effective tool for spreading alerts.
Boundary, fences and gates – While nothing can be completely secure, there are measures you can take to enhance security. First and foremost, prioritise ensuring that all fencing and stable blocks are securely built. Whatever materials you choose, make sure they are suitable for weather conditions in your area.
“Consider driveway alarms and CCTV – these can act as a visual as well as a physical deterrent.”
Sussex Police – Preventing dog theft
CCTV / surveillance cameras: You can monitor your land, outbuildings, and indoor spaces remotely using a smartphone. Install wireless cameras both outside and inside stables, ensuring they operate at night and are out of reach of thieves. Sussex police recommend CCTV at driveways to prevent dog theft, which is equally applicable to entrances of your home, stables, or land to protect equine. A WiFi connection is necessary for real-time viewing.
Alarms: Sensors can sometimes trigger false alarms, so it’s better to invest in door contacts. Ensure your alarms are suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. Padlocks with built-in alarms that trigger when tampered with add an extra layer of security.
Gravel: Thieves prefer silence, but gravel makes noise when walked or driven over, alerting you to any intruders.
Security lights: Install motion sensor lights to illuminate stables, driveways, entrances, and pathways. Thieves prefer to operate unseen, and bright lights can deter them.
Gate security: Gates can be lifted off their hinges, so consider top tailing the hinges (fixing one hinge upside down) or welding them to prevent this.
Strong locks: Use shoot bolts, close-shackled padlocks, and pad bars for stronger security. Chains can be cut through, making gates easier to open.
Extra perimeter fencing: Adding additional fencing around the stables increases security and makes it harder for thieves to access your property.
What to do if your equine goes missing
If your horse, donkey, or pony is stolen, it’s important to act quickly. Experienced thieves can transport your equine out of the country or to the opposite end of the UK rapidly.
Report the disappearance immediately: Contact the police and equestrian organisations right away. Provide them with detailed descriptions and photos of your equine.
Enlist your local community: Get your local community involved in the search to help you find your missing equine.
Police: Report the theft to the police and obtain a crime reference number. Use this number in your social media posts, to contact the police for updates, and display it on your property signage indicating a theft has occurred.
Microchip: Notify the microchip company immediately. If you can access your account, update the status to missing and activate the lost pet service. For example, the Pet Database can be accessed online, and its lost pet service is free.
Insurance: Contact your insurance company to inform them of the theft. If your policy covers advertising and rewards, make sure to use these benefits.
Passport: Notify the issuing authority right away so they can update their database.
Farm Watch and Horse Watch co-ordinators: These organisations can spread the word about your stolen horse and offer advice.
Freeze branding and hoof branding: Inform these services so they can alert slaughterhouses and horse sale venues using the unique identifying code.
Veterinary practice: Inform your equine vet, as well as local non-equine vets, about the theft.
Social media: Create dedicated pages and be proactive in your campaign to recover your horse, donkey, or pony.
Owner folder: Keep all relevant information and documents organised in one place.
Using social media platforms to find missing animals
We’ve talked about social media, and these platforms can help spread the word about your missing animal. Share your page on lost animal or equine groups for wider reach. On Facebook, important comments can get buried in shared posts, so it’s better to share your page and updates instead of individual posts. Ask people to message you directly with any news.
Upload reels on TikTok and YouTube several times a week since they have high traffic. Also, check out my Stolen, Lost, and Found category, especially the article about the Role of Social Media in Recovering Lost Pets.
Innocent reasons why an equine disappears
“It turns out, the wire for the electric fence snapped ( this was in a section where the electric wasn’t working ). There’s three wires, the middle one in a small section snapped & I hadn’t managed to fix it yet. The very bottom wire snapped today and that’s how she got out. I’m going to fix that today because she can’t come out of her stall until it’s fixed.”
Brianna – 2010
There are innocent reasons why some equines disappear, especially curious and naughty donkeys. For instance, Punchy, a 40-year-old donkey owned by Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk, went missing along with other equines because a gate was left open. Sadly, Punchy, who was partially sighted and deaf, was found drowned in a ditch by a National Trust warden.
In another case, a horse owner discovered her horses missing early in the morning. She found hoof prints on a dirt road and followed them for several miles until they ended at a busy road. It turned out the missing horses had crossed a busy road and a train line, being on the run for a total of twelve hours before being found and secured at a local farm.
Thanks to social media, our first thought when an animal disappears is often theft, but that’s not always the case. Donkeys are escape artists, but any equine can escape if their perimeter, yard, or stable isn’t secure.
Conclusion
Horse, pony, and donkey thefts in the UK cause significant financial and emotional distress for their owners. Microchipping and branding are essential, but they might not deter criminals from selling animals on the black market. However, these measures are effective when dealing with reputable buyers.
To combat these thefts, understanding the methods and motives behind them is crucial. Here are some strategies to help prevent professional thieves:
1: Stay vigilant with your livery, yard, fields, stables, and equine areas.
2: Secure everything with plenty of signage.
3: Invest in alarms and CCTV.
4: Consider whether loaning your horse is truly worth it.
5: Join Horse Watch and collaborate with slaughterhouses and horse sales to keep your animals safe.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t solely rely on branding and microchipping to recover your equine.
- Implement preventative measures to stop theft before it happens.
- Remember that microchips can be removed.
- Ensure branding is maintained and redone as necessary.
- Act quickly if your equine goes missing.
- Criminals on the black market likely won’t be deterred by branding, microchips, or the condition of your horse so ensure boundaries are secure with alarms and CCTV
- Display multiple warning signs around your property as an initial deterrent.