Horse and Pony Protection Association

Record levels of cruelty and neglect
Increase in workload for HAPPA Welfare Officers

We have seen a worrying increase in the number of equines being neglected during the first quarter of this year.

As a result, the burden on both of the organisation’s Rescue Centres (Shores Hey Rescue Centre, Nr Burnley Lancs and Gregory Farm Rescue Centre, Brockweir, Nr Chepstow) is huge.

In separate incidents two adult horses and one foal, all in a severely emaciated state, were removed from their owners and these complaints are currently been investigated by HAPPA Welfare Officer Janine Ashworth, with a view to legal action being taken. Additional information will be released once investigations are complete.

A further call to help a starving mare resulted in her removal from a field that had no grass or supplementary feed. Thankfully Molly, a black 14hh cob is now enjoying care and attention at HAPPA’s Shores Hey Rescue Centre, Briercliffe near Burnley, although her condition is still being closely monitored as she is been treated for a heavy worm investigation and malnutrition.

Molly is improving daily and we expect her to make a full recovery. She is a gentle and trusting animal that had been left to find nourishment in a barren and muddy field. She had stripped bark from every tree and shrub and when rescued, had splinters of wood jammed between most of her teeth.

Operations Manager, Kathryn Roberts thinks the increase in calls from concerned members of the public and the number of animals in poor bodily condition is directly related to the country’s current financial crisis. ”The number of calls being investigated by our Welfare Officers has risen by approximately thirty percent since January 1st and we have noticed a particular increase in horses suffering from long hooves and untreated feet. Undernourished animals are also on the increase and the pressure on HAPPA seems to be growing daily. With a reduction in the number of donations and legacies we are receiving during these challenging financial times we urge our friends and supporters to spare even a few pounds to help us to continue to react effectively to all calls for help”.

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