Dry weather concern for horse fair, warns RSPCA
PA MediaA prolonged period of dry weather has prompted a "don't arrive too soon" message for this year's Appleby Horse Fair from the RSPCA.
Thousands of Gypsies and travellers are expected to attend the annual event, which officially begins on 5 June.
The RSPCA said lack of rain had resulted in poor grazing on all routes into the town, and some smaller water springs and becks used for watering horses had dried up or been reduced to a trickle.
With some people arriving early, there is concern this is putting pressure on limited resources.
Rob Melloy, RSPCA chief inspector, said: "There's a very real prospect that people may struggle to find adequate grazing and water supplies for their animals as the fair draws closer, with all the attendant animal welfare issues that that entails.
"Our clear message is please don't come early.
"We recognise that those travelling by horse and in horse-drawn bow tops do have to adopt a staged approach when coming to the fair, and in order to ensure that they have access to grazing and water, we ask that those with access to motorised vehicles show some consideration and delay their arrival until the starting date."
He added: "It is the owner's responsibility to ensure their horses have adequate food and water.
"Because the grazing is so poor this year, people may need to consider bringing additional supplies with them."