22 September 2025

Redwings assists in rescue of over 450 animals including horses and donkeys in major operation

A photo of horses behind a gate, inside a barn, with rotting bedding beneath them.

Redwings has assisted with the RSPCA-led rescue of more than 450 neglected animals, including around 70 horses and donkeys. Their owner has been jailed and banned from keeping animals for life.

Operation Teal involved over 100 staff from The Donkey Sanctuary, Redwings, World Horse Welfare, Bransby Horses, British Horse Society, Dogs Trust and Beauties’ Legacy, who worked alongside the RSPCA, along with vets and police.

A warrant was executed on a Nottinghamshire farm on 1st November 2023, where the animals were found to be living in appalling conditions in two fields, barns, outbuildings, sheds and filthy hutches.

455 animals of 19 different species were seized, including around 70 horses and donkeys, over 50 dogs and puppies and over 170 guinea pigs. Ferrets, rabbits and small rodents were also rescued along with cats, poultry, exotics, birds, reptiles and one llama.

Photo of donkeys inside a barn during the welfare rescue.
Virtually all the animals had not received veterinary care, and several had to be put to sleep to end their suffering.

Donkeys and horses were suffering from rotting feet without attention from a vet or a farrier. Some were underweight and others had not received any treatment for parasites and proper dental care.

Over half the equines seized were of poor body condition, with one donkey being so lame that she was put to sleep to end her suffering. The floors of barns and enclosures were deep in faeces and stinking, mouldy forage. Most of the mares had mixed with stallions and had fallen pregnant, adding to the growing numbers.

Photo of a horse's overgrown and rotting feet.
One of the horses rescued during the operation.

Redwings Head of Welfare and Behaviour Nic de Brauwere said: "This was a very challenging two days working with often nervous and unhandled ponies and donkeys that were trapped in horrible living conditions. It was difficult to see just how poor their quality of life was. But being able to help them by supporting the vet assessments and then getting the equines onto the many horseboxes, knowing they were heading to a much brighter future, was very rewarding. I'm pleased that one of the ponies I got to work with will be finding his forever home with us here at Redwings.”

Photo of an underweight horse during the rescue.
One of the many underweight horses found on the site.

In a prosecution case brought by the RSPCA, the owner of the farm was last week (Thursday 18th September) sentenced to 12-months in prison and a life ban on keeping animals after pleading guilty to 25 offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

The man’s girlfriend pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act relating to failing to meet the needs of two dogs. She was sentenced to 13-weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and banned from keeping dogs for five years.

A photo of rotting forage found at the farm.
Filthy forage found at the farm.

RSPCA Inspector Laura Baker, who led the operation, said: “We are grateful for the tip-off that highlighted how badly conditions had deteriorated, which meant alongside Nottinghamshire Police we were able to organise a rescue of over 450 animals with the assistance of our charity partners.

“We split up into teams over two days to deal with different species and all the animals were systematically health checked and then taken to safe accommodation, where many were treated for their ailments and have since made a good recovery.

“Many of these animals have already been rehomed to enjoy better lives, both by the RSPCA and with the help of our charity partners.”

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