Warning over grass cuttings
British Horse Society appeals to gardeners to dispose of grass cuttings with care after three donkeys die
The BHS has issued a warning about the dangers to equines of ingesting grass cuttings.
Three donkeys from Surrey are already reported to have died this year after eating cuttings.
Spokesperson for the BHS, Nichola Gregory, said: “A pile of grass clippings is very attractive to horses, ponies and donkeys, but once eaten can prove fatal.
“Eating grass clippings can cause colic and, if the grass begins to ferment, it can cause a lethal build up of gasses within the gut.
“This causes the animal severe pain and damage to the digestive system, resulting in a horrible death.”
The society is appealing to all gardeners to dispose of waste in a “responsible manner” and not to dump it where grazing animals may be tempted.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Read more about colic:
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
