Police horse dies after being spooked by drone

The RSPCA has issued safety warnings following an incident where a 14-year-old police horse died after being spooked by what is believed to be a low-flying drone.

Serious injuries

CCTV footage shows Fimber bolting in reaction to something near his field at West Yorkshire Police Carr Gate complex on the outskirts of Wakefield (15 October). He then jumped the fence and collided with a wooden post, causing serious injuries, which lead to his death.

Officers are investigating the possibility that the incident is linked to the discovery of aradio-controlled drone,which was found at the Carr Gate site three days later.

‘Tragic consequences’

“There is a possibility that Fimber was reacting to the drone landing nearby or being close to him when he bolted with tragic consequences,” said detective sergeant Alex Grummitt.

“We know he was used to the helicopter taking off and landing nearby and by the nature of his training would be used to loud noises, which tends to suggest it was something unusual that caused him to react.”

Police are appealing for any information to trace the owner of the drone.

Advice to ‘droners’

In light of this recent incident the RSPCA has issued advice to the growing number of ‘droners’, urging them to avoid using the flying gadgets near places where horses are kept or being ridden.

“If you are planning on using a drone as part of a specific event, we would ask that you inform local farmers and horse owners if possible,” said Anna Hemmings, manager at RSPCA Lockwood Centre for Horses & Donkeys.

“Horses can be easily spooked by unknown objects, such as drones and remote controlled devices. A frightened horse can pose a danger to itself and other people and, had this horse had a rider on board at the time, they could have suffered a serious injury or even been killed