14 November 2016

2016 Redwings rescue round-up

So far this year, we have offered a home for life to over 140 rescued horses and donkeys, with a third of these rescued from moors and commons across the country.

We have turned our attention to the ongoing welfare crisis unfolding in these areas where the abandonment of horses by unscrupulous owners, indiscriminate breeding and a lack of food following adverse weather has seen many horses struggling to survive.

Indeed, the conditions encountered by our vets and rescue team inspired the launch of our ‘Moor for Horses’ fundraising campaign to ensure more horses in need could be offered a new home, receive intense specialist care and to break the cycle of suffering among these groups.

Resuced pony eating drinking

Reflecting on this year’s rescues, our Chief Executive Lynn Cutress said: “Although the Sanctuary is fit to bursting, we refuse to waiver in our commitment to rescuing and caring for those most in need.

“Indeed, as our sanctuary is operating at maximum capacity, it has never been more crucial for our vets and rescue team to lend their experience and expertise to local communities and local councils as well as fellow welfare charities to bring those horses most in need to safety and to put in place measures to improve the situation long-term.

Helland before and after - rescued from Bodmin Moor in June.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly for horses in need this year, and also highlight the commitment of our teams – both in-house and out in the field – who, as well as these larger rescue operations, have shown as much dedication and care to the individual horse or pony rescue cases we have also taken into the Sanctuary so far this year”.

We have made three rescue trips to Cornwall this year: in June seven struggling ponies were removed and rehomed and another 16 abandoned ponies were welcomed into the Sanctuary in September. Read Arthur's story from our June rescue here.

Arthur in intensive care. Top of page: Arthur now.

Also in September, we partnered with the Bodmin Moor Commons Council to lead a large-scale round-up operation of more than 160 ponies for passporting and microchipping, in order to formally identify the ponies with owners and those who had grazing rights on the moor (read more here).

Welfare veterinary surgeon Nicola Berryman microchipping, passporting and health checking ponies on Eastmoor, Bodmin

Welfare veterinary surgeon Nicola Berryman microchipping, passporting and health checking ponies on Eastmoor, Bodmin.

Meanwhile, in April, 14 horses were signed over into our care following their rescue from harsh conditions at Llangynidr Common, in south Wales, and another seven have found a new home at the Sanctuary after their removal from similar circumstances at Gelligaer Common, also in south Wales.