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Five rescued horses ready for rehoming
World Horse Welfare says thousands of horses are subjected to horse smuggling each year.
The horses were rescued from a smuggling operation at Dover port.

Five horses from the ‘Dover 26’ – 26 horses discovered in an illegal smuggling operation at Dover port – are now ready to be rehomed.

The group, including a filly, had been undergoing rehabilitation from World Horse Welfare at its Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Authorities discovered 26 horses in the smuggling operation. Several were lacking the appropriate paperwork and were suffering from health issues which made them unfit to travel. Some were believed to be destined for a European slaughterhouse.

After World Horse Welfare’s initial assessment, one of the horses had to be euthanised to avoid further suffering. Following this, a further two horses required euthanasia due to their conditions.

The other horses were taken to the charity’s Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk. The team have since been providing the horses with specialist care and tailor-made rehabilitation programmes.

Now, despite their difficult experiences, the first five of the Dover 26 are ready for rehoming. Crocus, Dior, Foxy, Heyday and Mair join over 70 other horses and ponies from World Horse Welfare that are looking for a permanent home.

Lizzie Bird, assistant farm manager at Hall Farm, said: “I remember so clearly the arrival of the Dover 26, they were so frightened and they’d clearly all been through a harrowing experience. Soon after they arrived, we found that the group was carrying equine influenza and the outbreak forced the farm to go into lockdown while the horses were treated.

“Since then, we have worked hard to build their trust in people with careful handling and dedicated care. We are delighted that the first of the group are ready to rehome.”

World Horse Welfare says that thousands of horses are subjected to horse smuggling each year, enduring long journeys and poor conditions.

It has now launched a campaign to bring the issue of horse smuggling into Parliament. The charity is encouraging supporters to write to their MP to ask them to speak up about horse smuggling in Parliament.

For more information about rehoming a horse from the charity, visit its website. To take part in World Horse Welfare’s campaign against horse smuggling, follow this link.

Image © Shutterstock

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.