Horsebox Safety Warning issued by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service
Hampshire Fire and Rescue have warned of the risk of serious personal injury when a horse becomes trapped in a horsebox or trailer. They highlight the importance of regular checks of horseboxes and trailers following a number of serious incidents that have occurred recently in the county.
Watch Manager Jim Green said:
Any animal trapped in a confined space presents a highly dangerous, unpredictable situation. This type of incident requires the immediate attendance of a trained animal rescue team, working closely with a vet who will assist with chemical restraint, triage and aftercare. Animals in distress cause people to rush in to help but this may well lead to serious personal injury as the recent incidents show. We would urge owners not to enter any confined space with a distressed horse.
The following are some of the top tips for horsebox safety offered by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Always check that the floor of the vehicle is in good condition.
If your lorry or trailer has a wooden floor, check it regularly for signs of rotting or damp patches.
Make sure your lorry or trailer is regularly serviced, including a thorough check on the brakes.
Make sure the lights and indicators are working correctly.
Regularly check the tyres for signs of wear and ensure that tyre pressures are correct.
Always carry a fully charged mobile phone with you - even on short journeys.
Carry the emergency helpline number for your breakdown/recovery company, vet and insurance company.
Always load a single horse on the right and if possible travel two horses together.
More safety tips can be found on Hampshire Fire and Rescues website: www.hantsfire.gov.uk
22/07/2008 17:16:03