News stories
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Twenty-three ponies who were part of a large rescue operation in Northern Ireland are now settling in at Redwings.
More than 60 horses and ponies were rescued from a farm in County Antrim at the end of November after being found living in squalid conditions. Police were called and discovered the horses living amongst the carcasses of nine dead equines. Sadly, a further four of the animals were in such poor condition that they had to be humanely put down.
Redwings offered veterinary expertise to support the police during the rescue and the first period of the ponies’ rehabilitation, and the Sanctuary has now offered permanent homes to 23 of those rescued. The ponies have been transported to our Reception Centre in Norfolk and have all been named after breakfast items, hence, 'The Breakfast Club', which includes Waffle and Crumpet (pictured below) plus Jam, Marmalade and Oatmeal!
Following their rescue, the animals were taken into the care of local rescue centres Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary and The Donkey Sanctuary. However, with the the equine welfare situation in Ireland at crisis point, the centres are under increasing pressure to provide the round the clock care these animals need, and so Redwings offered to lighten the load.
Nic de Brauwere, Head of Welfare at Redwings, assisted with the rescue operation. He said, "We were initially asked to get involved with the case because of our expertise in dealing with multiple horse cases but, once we had seen the gravity of the situation, we felt we had to go further to offer not only our veterinary assistance but also to provide a permanent home for a number of these animals. Crosskennan Lane have been working tirelessly and show amazing dedication to animal welfare and, as a larger sanctuary, we feel we have a duty to support them as much as we possibly can. Funds and resources are tight for all of us at this present time but we cannot ignore these ponies who desperately need our help.”
Investigating officer in Northern Ireland - Sgt Alison Liddle - said: “We are so grateful for the support and assistance we have received over recent days. These organisations serve a very important purpose in helping police deal appropriately with animal cruelty and in taking care of animals that have been abused in such a terrible way.”
You can read more about the rescue here...
The absolutely gorgeous Jam (also known as Bella) who is so tiny she had to be carried on and off the lorry, bless her...
