03 February 2023

We pay tribute to Adoption Star Dusty

We’re terribly sorry to have to share with you some sad news; unfortunately, our much-loved Adoption Star and member of The Gangsters, Dusty, passed away on Thursday 26th January. He was 12 years old.

Miniature Shetland Dusty, who lived at Redwings Aylsham, spent some time in January at a local veterinary surgery due to a sudden bout of sand colic (stomach pain caused by ingestion of sandy soil while grazing).

After being under their intensive care for more than a week, he travelled back to our Horse Hospital, but unfortunately suffered another very severe colic episode which just wasn’t responsive to pain relief and the Redwings veterinary team had no choice but to put Dusty to sleep.

Little Dusty along with his five fellow Gangsters first came to Redwings in 2011 after their owner sadly passed away. The family of the owner had no means to care for the group and so they were brought to the Sanctuary to secure their future.

Colic can happen to a horse at any time but because ingesting sand contributed to Dusty’s symptoms, the Redwings vets have decided that, as a precautionary measure, they would prefer the rest of The Gangsters come back to our Horse Hospital for some check-ups and treatment so that they can keep a close eye on their health. The welfare of The Gangsters is our highest priority and so we hope you understand why we feel it is necessary to relocate them at this time.

We are very sorry to bring you such sad news. All the team here are absolutely devastated and we know you will be too. Thank you so much to all those who adopted and loved Dusty - you helped us give him such a happy life here at Redwings.

If you would like to make a donation in Dusty’s memory, you can use the box below. Thank you so much #RedwingsAngels

We have written to all The Gangsters’ adopters to share the news, if you haven’t yet received this we do apologise, our letter should reach you very soon.