News stories
Our relief at Amersham guilty verdict
Everyone at Redwings is both delighted and relieved at the successful prosecution by the RSPCA of members of the Gray family in what has been one of the longest-running animal welfare cases in history.
We have been caring for 29 of the Gray equines here in Norfolk. Our thanks go to not only the RSPCA for its hard work and dedication to this case, but also to our supporters for their kind words and generosity since that day in January 2008 when we took 30 of our staff and eight of our horseboxes to Spindle Farm in Amersham.
On Friday 8th May at Bicester Magistrates Court Jamie Gray and his sixteen- year-old son James Junior were found guilty on all 11 charges relating to the Animal Welfare Act. Julie Gray, Cordelia Gray and Jodie Gray were found guilty of two charges which relate to failing to meet the welfare needs of equines.
The case, brought by the RSPCA, concerned unnecessary suffering to and failing to meet the welfare needs of a total of 125 horses, ponies and donkeys removed between 4 and 12 January 2008 from Spindle Farm, Amersham, Bucks.
On 9 January 2008 we went to the farm at the request of the RSPCA to help remove more than 80 horses, ponies and donkeys in need of rescue from the squalid conditions, moving some to secure locations and bringing 21 back to our own care. Many of them were severely emaciated and dehydrated and a good number had lice, bacterial infections and overgrown feet. The majority were also pitifully nervous of humans and needed extremely patient and careful handling, including Esther, a two-month old donkey foal. Since that date, six more pony and donkey foals have been born (including donkey Timothy) and two further ponies have been brought to Redwings for handling training from one of the other charities involved.
Esther the donkey as she looks now
We know that many of you have, from afar, formed a real attachment to characters such as Esther and Timothy. Esther’s confidence has grown and grown and today she is a sparky young lady who loves to be around her carers. Timothy was born here just a few days after his mum arrived; he is a kind and cheeky soul who demands a bit of fuss from his carers and staff – in fact anyone who passes his paddock! We are now looking forward to the sentencing stage of the case, when the equines’ futures will hopefully be secured.
Our Chief Executive and Head of Welfare are understandably delighted at this morning’s news.
Lynn Cutress, our Chief Executive feels that the rescue from Spindle Farm was one of the most distressing and upsetting operations our staff have ever been involved in, even though sadly we do see equines in distress on an all-too regular basis, having rescued over 100 equines since Jan 1st this year.
Nicolas De Brauwere, our Head of Welfare who gave veterinary evidence during the trial and was present at the site managing our involvement feels that the evidence of cruelty and the extent of equine suffering was so overwhelming that a guilty verdict was the only possible outcome. He has no doubt that what he and his colleagues saw that day will remain with them for the rest of our lives. Nic also hopes that the verdict illustrates that the changes to the Animal Welfare Act were a landmark in equine welfare.
We understand that the sentencing has been set for June 12th and so we await the next stage to finally secure the future of the animals in our care.
Thank you again to all our supporters – we just could not do what we do without your support and generosity. We still always need your support, if you would like to help us continue our work, please donate to our Esther's Rescue appeal today >>>>>
