18 August 2017

Horses of Paper Mill Lane: Statement

Following reports of concerns for horses kept at Paper Mill Lane in Ipswich, a Redwings field officer attended the site as well as the nearby West Meadows site.

Those horses requiring farriery treatment were highlighted to the owner and advice was given for a pony with a rubbed nose. Any horses requiring additional feed had access to ad-lib forage, and a follow up visit will take place in due course.

Redwings continues to work with the horse owner and landowner to make improvements to the site and the welfare of the horses at Paper Mill Lane, Ipswich.

Significant improvements have already been made on site. All horses on both the Paper Mill Lane and West Meadows sites belonging to the owner have been documented and the fencing at Paper Mill Lane has been installed meaning the majority of the horses are now living off their tethers.

Discussions with the landowner to assist in monitoring the horses regularly are nearing completion, and as always we cannot provide comment on the terms of any agreement between the landowner and the horse owner as this is strictly confidential.

We would also like to reiterate that speculation that Redwings is “fully responsible” for the horses at Paper Mill Lane is not correct. The horses are the responsibility of their owner as has always been the case and as would be the case for any horse owner in the country.

However, we will continue to attend regularly and to respond to any new reports of welfare concerns. Welfare reports must be first-hand and be provided with as much information as possible. We would also like to stress the importance of supplying photos that show a clear head shot and full body shot of the horse so we can identify and attend to them swiftly.

Finally, reports must be made directly to our welfare team on 01508 481008 or by emailing welfare@redwings.co.uk. We cannot take reports via social media. In case of an emergency, please call the RSPCA on their 24-hour helpline 0300 1234 999.