Samson is saved from a life of neglect

4:05pm Thursday 8th May 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

AN Urmston mother has rescued her horse following reports he had been abused and neglected while on loan to a farm on Jersey.

Val Harrison, 49, and daughter Victoria, 20, sent retired police horse Samson, a 12-year-old Clydesdale cross thoroughbred, to the Jersey farm around three years ago.

Samson served in Greater Manchester Police for four years covering events such as the Commonwealth Games in 2002 but had to retire on health grounds.

After that Val could no longer afford to look after Samson due to a disability and Victoria had become her full time carer so they took the decision to put their beloved pet on loan.

Val explained how she received information from the chief veterinary officer for Jersey that Samson was allegedly suffering from starvation and abuse.

Val, who lives on Park Road North, said: "I took the decision immediately to remove Samson from Jersey as I was completely devastated by what I had been told. He is such a wonderful horse.

"When he arrived home his ribs were on show and his feet and teeth were in a terrible state."

It cost Val and Victoria £700 to bring Samson home and vets bills so far total around £300 and are still mounting up. Since his return Samson had been diagnosed with pachydermatis, which is an infectious fungal condition.

Val has organised a garage sale to raise funds for Samson's veterinary bills. The event will take place on May 31 through to June 1 from 11am to 3pm on each day. For further information call Val on 0161 746 9956.