FOUR ponies initially left in glamour model Jodie Marsh's driveway will not be put to sleep, despite notices in the field they are currently in saying that slaughter is an option.
It is unclear how the ponies that mysteriously appeared outside Miss Marsh's house in South Weald in January have found themselves on the two-hectare field known as the Roughs in Weald Country Park – about a mile away from her house.
However, the four animals, one of which is heavily pregnant, will not be put down, Essex County Council has promised, despite a legal notice that declares euthanasia is one option.
An abandonment notice stapled to fence posts on February 12 said the horses could be kept in the field until February 26 before they were allowed to be "rehomed, sold or humanely destroyed".
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary has been inundated with queries from residents about the animals – one black colt, one skewbald filly, one chestnut mare and one piebald mare.
Staff at the animal sanctuary, in Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, have reassured animal lovers that the ponies are being cared for.
A statement on the sanctuary's Facebook page said: "There are no intentions of shooting them or putting them to sleep and we are working with Weald to get the best outcome for the ponies.
"The people looking after them at Weald have done a very good job, they have been checked by a vet, wormed and fed."
Lianne Angliss, sanctuary deputy manager, told the Gazette: "They are not going to be shot. The notice is something that has to be put up.
"They do nip, but that is just what young horses do. They are very scared and bewildered."
The horses have been living in the field since at least February 4, when 34-year-old bodybuilder Miss Marsh tweeted: "Remember the ponies that got dumped on my drive? I went to visit them today. They are very happy living in Brentwood."
They first appeared on her driveway on January 7.
Miss Marsh told the Gazette this week: "The removal of the horses was dealt with by the police, and I have been assured new homes are being sought for them and they are in no danger.
"Because I'm an animal lover, I have also offered, if need be, to find them a home myself should nobody come forward but I have been told that there is no need to worry and new homes will be found."
An Essex County Council spokesman said the authority placed the notices as a matter of course to provide information to residents and owners.
He added: "We are looking into a number of options. There are no plans to destroy these animals."
