Can I feed horses I see in fields?

No, you shouldn't. Horses have delicate digestive systems and even seemingly harmless treats like bread or apples can cause serious problems like colic or laminitis, a painful hoof condition.

Why is feeding bread to ducks bad for them?

Bread fills ducks up with empty calories so they don't seek out proper nutrition their bodies need. Too much bread can cause a condition called 'angel wing' where their wings grow abnormally.

What should I do if I see an injured animal in the countryside?

Contact the landowner if you can identify them, or call the RSPCA. Healthy animals going about their business don't need your intervention—they're managing just fine on their own.

Respect the Countryside

Why you shouldn't feed animals in the countryside

That horse leaning over the fence looks keen on your sandwich, but the Countryside Code says don't feed livestock, horses or wild animals — it can harm them. Also worth knowing: keep your distance from all animals out there, because they can be unpredictable, particularly when they've got young ones about.

20 October 20267 min read