Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 18th February 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Herd of forty ponies rescued by welfare charities
"The fact that we were able to find places for them is testament to the way all the different organisations involved through NEWC work together" - Rae Andrews, World Horse Welfare.
UK animal welfare charities had to collaborate to take them all in.

Rescue charities across the UK have worked together to take in a large herd of ponies after their owner's sudden death.

The herd, consisting of forty ponies, were signed over into the care of World Horse Welfare in late 2021, and the charity immediately begun working to find space and suitable accommodation for each one.

Field officer from World Horse Welfare, Raw Andrews, explained: “Cases involving large numbers of horses or ponies are unfortunately frequent, and always pose a logistical problem to find spaces to take them all in at one time.

“The fact that we were able to find places for them is testament to the way all the different organisations involved through NEWC work together.

“This case also highlights the importance of considering that difficult thing: what will happen when we are no longer there? - and making plans for the provision of your animals once you are gone.”

Upon collaborating with the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), World Horse Welfare took in 14 of the ponies, which moved to Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre. HAPPA took in six ponies, five went to Bransby Horses, and the remainder went to Blue Cross, with one pony rehomed directly to a family friend of the owner.

Tracy Heaton, equine inspector from HAPPA, said: “It is always a pleasure working alongside my World Horse Welfare colleagues supporting them offering our resources and enabling such great teamwork.

“Especially in today’s difficult equine welfare climate, working in collaboration is key to getting the job done. The task involved in the round up of large groups can be extremely challenging and is reliant on a knowledgeable, proficient team working in harmony with each other; likewise, HAPPA equally works with World Horse Welfare calling on their resources to assist us on equine operations where necessary.

“The ponies have really settled into HAPPA’s Rescue Centre, Shores Hey Farm, where they will continue on a Rehabilitation Journey, learning to interact and socialise under the guidance of our Equine Team.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.