HAPPA Horse Abandonment Crisis

Lancashire based Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) urgently need your help this winter to raise vital funds to assist with a growing crisis, the abandonment of horses.

HAPPA is reaching breaking point, as demand for services and associated costs soar, the Charity urges those that care to contribute towards raising £100,000 so they can continue to respond to reports of horses, ponies and donkeys in distress this winter.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit hard, the Charity has seen a change in the type of help needed by horse owners. Reports of cruelty and neglect are still received, however cries for help from horse owners and landowners trying to do the right thing are becoming more prevalent. 

Financial Impact

HAPPA has taken in twenty-four abandoned and unwanted equines in the last six months. Unfortunately, the majority of these have arrived at HAPPA’s, Shores Hey Farm in Burnley, Lancashire needing immediate veterinary intervention and incurred associated rehabilitation costs. This, and the increases in wages, utilities and supplier costs, is becoming a heavy burden on the Charity and its long-term financial stability.

Overall equine welfare costs are soaring, not including equine care team wage costs, £2,000 per week is desperately needed to maintain the exemplary standards of care offered to the forty-five equines that are currently under rehabilitation with the Charity.

Feed and bedding costs have risen by a staggering 34.34% in comparison to the previous year, and veterinary costs have seen an increase of 11.5%. The team continues to fight to source the best prices and supplier costs, however, increases in costs associated with the abandonment epidemic are putting immense strain on the Charity’s financial stability.

Amanda Berry, HAPPA’s Head of Equine Operations explains, “Times are hard for everyone right now, and we know it is a big ask to contribute with the current financial climate, however, we must act to be able to keep the stable doors open at Shores Hey Farm. HAPPA have been saving equines since 1937, together we can ensure lives are saved for many more years to come.

We see horses of all types, that used to feel love, being abandoned and discarded like rubbish, left behind, no micro-chip, rejected and alone, without food, shelter or care. Your donation will help us to intervene, give them food, veterinary care, safety, and a second chance at life. Horses like Marble, Bruno and Maximus have got that chance due to your support.”

Marble’s Story

Marble at 10 years old had been purchased by her previous owner as a companion to another horse, but when the other horse left, she was forgotten. Left in a field with little animal or human interaction, unhandled and uncared for. Thankfully a member of the public noticed she needed help. Marble was taken into the Charity’s care for a chance of a better life.

The vet, after a full examination, found that Marble does not have full vision in her left eye and that her teeth were sharp and uncomfortable. After dental treatment she is now doing well. Due to her pink skin, she is UV sensitive, her unique eyes need extra protection from sunlight, therefore she must wear a UV mask whilst out in the daylight to protect her sight from further damage.

Marble now has a chance of a brighter future in HAPPA’s care. She has an allocated equine care officer and public sponsors that adore her, she is no longer an unwanted pony and has a brighter lifetime protected by HAPPA.

Maximus and Bruno’s Story

Maximus and Bruno’s ordeal began when their owner vanished without a trace, leaving them on rented land. For some time, the kind landowners did their best to look after them, but as time passed, it became clear they began to struggle to meet the horses’ needs. A caring neighbour stepped in and contacted HAPPA. As soon as the cry for help was received HAPPA’s Equine Inspectors came to the aid of the two neglected horses.

These two handsome horses, ] have made a full recovery in the Charity’s care. Both are thriving and loving the attention and kindness they are receiving from the equine care team and the visiting public. Both will go on to find forever homes on the HAPPA loan scheme.

Their story is a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with owning horses. Abandoning animals not only leaves them vulnerable but also places a heavy burden on those left to care for them. HAPPA are here to make sure no horse is forgotten, but they can’t do it alone.

What will happen if the target is not reached?

Donations are the Charity’s lifeline this winter. If the target is not reached then the stable doors may need to be closed to abandoned, neglected and abused horses that need the Charity the most.

A donation towards covering the £2,000 per week equine welfare costs this winter really is a lifeline to continue this work. Without it HAPPA will simply not survive, and horses will suffer in silence. Let’s give them a voice together!

How to Donate

They Were Left Behind. Together, We Can Give Them A Second Chance.

Please donate if you can to the Horse Abandonment Crisis Fund on Crowdfunder https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/horse-abandonment-crisis-fund

Or donate on the HAPPA website www.happa.org.uk