News stories
Redwings takes in 'unprecedented' numbers
Our figures released last week reveal we have taken in over 100 equines since January 1st!
In the first three months of this year, 102 equines have arrived at Redwings, plus we have had two foals born to rescued mares. Last year in the same period the figure was 38 including 23 from a high profile rescue in Buckinghamshire. In 2007 the figure was 15, while in 2006 37 were admitted.
This is an unprecedented number and naturally we have been looking into possible reasons for this rise...
First and foremost we consider the weather to have been a significant factor. Harsh conditions over a particularly cold and difficult Winter would have affected the food supply and health of equines living wild in herds and left to fend for themselves.
However, we also feel that the reason for the increased intake cannot be contributed to just one or two factors.
Ponies rescued from Downham Market in February
The 2009 figure includes a number of large welfare investigations and rescues carried out in Essex, Wales, Hertfordshire and Norfolk, and more than 60 of the equines taken in were rescued in partnership either with the RSPCA or the Welsh local authorities.
It is also two years this month since the Animal Welfare Act changed, allowing all animal rescue organisations to act quicker and remove equines considered to be at risk. Redwings has been able to work with the RSPCA to step in and help equines in need before they reach a state of suffering. Our ability to cope with large rescues is also now better known nationally so we have increasingly been approached for help.
The economic situation is a factor that cannot be ignored and could be held partly responsible but it is impossible to be certain. The owners of the majority of the rescued 102 equines – many of which are unhandled and unbroken - have not been traced, so it is impossible to know for sure.
Genie, our 100th rescue this year, found with dreadfully overgrown feet
Redwings Head of Welfare Nicolas De Brauwere said: “There is no doubt that this past Winter has been much more difficult for horses than in recent years. Food has been scarce, ponies have experienced severe cold and this harsher climate also means they become more susceptible to disease. Whereas in a milder Winter these equines may have just scraped by, this year they have really suffered.”
Redwings is entirely funded by public donation. In these uncertain economic times taking in extra equines has been a decision that was not taken lightly.
“Many of the new arrivals have experienced a lack of even basic care such as food and water so they were in desperate need of our help,” concludes Nic explaining why we have been working so hard to make sure we can help.
“A good number of the intake are quite young and now have a long life expectancy, but we are fully prepared for that and it is possible some will be re-homed through our Guardianship Scheme which is still buoyant. To rescue equines who face a grim future is why we exist, and why our supporters are so generous so we must acknowledge the public’s kindness.”
