Founded in 1937 to help fight against the transportation of large horses to the continent for slaughter, HAPPA continues to play a major role in all aspects of equine welfare.

Instrumental in achieving better protection for horses with the Riding Establishments Act, The Ponies Act 1969, The Illegal Tethering Act 1991 and by setting up the National Equine Welfare Committee 1997, HAPPA continues to campaign for improvements to existing legislation to ensure that horses, ponies and donkeys are protected from cruelty and neglect.

RESCUE
Our welfare officers have wide ranging expertise on all aspects of equine welfare and are fully conversant with the law concerning cruelty to animals. They investigate over 800 cases of cruelty and neglect each year, offering advice and support where possible and preventing cruelty by intervention and prosecution where necessary

REHABILITATION
HAPPA have two fully equipped Rescue Centres to ensure that all rescued and abandoned animals are restored lovingly back to health. Our Centres, based in Lancashire and Gwent, each care for approx 80 equines at any one time at a total cost of £11,900 EVERY WEEK. We treat each animal as an individual and take great care to provide the right environment and care programme for them all. We never sell our horses, ponies and donkeys. Instead, we place all suitable animals in private homes through our legally binding loan scheme or continue to care for those with special needs at the most appropriate HAPPA rescue centre.

ADVICE AND EDUCATION
Our staff are always available to offer advice and guidance on all aspects of equine welfare and workshops are held throughout the year at both farms covering issues such as grooming, health and safety, stable management, feeding etc. HAPPA also provide a range of free information sheets covering a range of equine related topics