ANIMAL lovers who signed a 2,000-strong petition in a show of support for horses have been asked to stop feeding them by their owner and the RSPCA.

Gloria Giblett has called on members of the public to leave her animals alone following a protest at a field where they are kept in Sebastopol.

Kind-hearted people had brought the two horses and Shetland ponies bales of hay and treats like carrots for several weeks.

But Ms Giblett said the donations were not called for and could have a negative impact on their health, as well-meaning people have given them the wrong types of food, such as pies and onions.

She said: “They are feeding them too much. They are feeding them the wrong food and it’s making them ill.”

Tasha Oliveira, the head the animal charity, Blize, in Wales, organised a peaceful protest at the fields off Avondale Road on Monday last week[January 19].

She had also launched an online petition signed by more than 2,000 people.

But yesterday [January 22], the lead petitioner also urged well meaning members of the public to stay away.

Mrs Oliveira, 23, of Cwmbran, said: “We have spoken to the owner. She is doing everything that needs to be doing.

“It makes it hard for her with the interference from the public."

Meanwhile, the RSPCA said the animals had running water, food and a shelter from the tree line at the field.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: “The RSPCA has been contacted in regards to these horses kept in a field next to the veterinary surgery at Avondale Road several times since November.

“An officer has visited the location several times – the last visit being on January 15.

“Whilst it is the responsibility of the owner to care for their animals, we appreciate that people are concerned about the horses and want to help.

“We are aware that members of the public are feeding the horses and advise people not to do this as different types of food may not be suitable for them.

“We are monitoring the situation. We always try to work with owners where possible to maintain the condition of their animals.”