19 March 2025

Updated: Statement on incident at Redwings - May 2024

On Wednesday 29th May 2024 an horrific incident took place at one of our sites in South Norfolk.

Thanks to the diligence of our Nights Welfare Team, and the CCTV and other security measures we had in place, we obtained sufficient evidence to ensure the incident could be swiftly investigated by the police. An arrest was made the following day.

We have not discussed the matter until now, partly because it was an active police investigation, but also because the details were so distressing.

As a charity that rescues horses from cruelty and neglect, it is abhorrent to us that our horses would be subjected to such a depraved and wicked attack at one of our own sites and we are all absolutely devastated.

We would like to reassure our kind supporters that the horse involved was monitored and cared for by our experienced in-house vets and has since fully recovered. Naturally, our care staff have been deeply upset by what happened and have been offered support throughout the investigation.

Anyone who would like to support us can donate here.

On the appeal of sentence at Norfolk Crown Court on Tuesday 25th March, Lynn Cutress, Redwings chief executive said:

"We are are extremely disappointed with the decision taken to reduce the sentence of the man responsible for this despicable incident today (Tuesday 25th March).

"This person - who was not known to Redwings in any capacity - came onto the private property of a horse welfare charity in the middle of the night and assaulted a rescued horse in our care.

"Our staff are devastated by this depraved and wicked attack, particularly our Nights Welfare Team and the vets who worked with the horse on her recovery afterwards."