Record rescue year for HAPPA

HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) based in Burnley have been extremely busy investigating cruelty and neglect across the county, resulting in the equine welfare charity taking in ten, soon to be twelve, needy horses in the last two months. All will need considerable funds invested in their recovery from cruelty and neglect.

HAPPA Sullivan, Arlo, Sage, Lotus, Tejah, Seth, Eggbert Toffee, Bunny, and Pepper now have a brighter future at the Charity’s Shores Hey Farm based in Burnley, Lancashire, and will receive the professional care they deserve. After an initial veterinary check, the staff were surprised to hear that ten will become twelve very soon as they received the news that both Bunny and Pepper were heavily in foal on arrival at the Rescue Centre.

Eggbert, a two-year-old Welsh colt, was found in unsuitable living conditions due to his owner lacking the knowledge or experience needed to meet his welfare needs.

Arlo, another two-year-old colt, bay cob cross, came to the attention of the Charity and was taken in to end indiscriminate breeding and avoid an increasing number of unwanted equines, and those equines bred with conditions related to in-breeding.

Lotus, eighteen-year-old mare and Sage a five-year-old gelding who are both Thoroughbreds and Tejah, a Welsh type arrived with a lice infestation and in less-than-ideal body condition due to living out and not receiving sufficient nutrition.

Sullivan, a young black cob colt, was taken in following a call for concern for his welfare. His owners, again, simply did not have the knowledge needed to care for him.

Seth, a six-year-old Welsh gelding, was signed into the Charity’s care following calls for concern for his welfare, had he remained in situ his welfare would have continued to be compromised.

Toffee, Bunny, and Pepper, all young Welsh mares, arrived because of a cross agency transfer working in collaboration with another welfare organisation. They were rescued off the Welsh common, totally feral, unhandled, and desperate for care and attention. The Equine Care Team at HAPPA eagerly await the arrival of Bunny and Pepper’s foals.

Amanda Berry, Head of Equine Operations at HAPPA, says “Our Equine Inspectors continue to investigate reports of cruelty and neglect from concerned members of the public. Working with owners to improve standards, offer support and guidance, implement the Animal Welfare Act where necessary and within the confines of the law, and offer sign over into the Charity’s care when it is in the best interest of both parties.

These horses will have a longer road to recovery, but our main aim is to ensure they receive a full and dedicated rehabilitation programme before seeking fantastic new forever homes through our Loan Scheme. Sadly, our work will not end there, and we are already potentially due to take more horses and ponies into the Charity’s care soon.”

Resident rescue numbers are high, the care team are working harder than ever to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome, HAPPA can only continue with the support of the public. In times of increased running costs, the Charity is facing financial hardship and is now calling upon supporters, members, and friends to help. Care, veterinary and feed bills are increasing by the day. The Charity is asking anyone who can help to consider a small donation, join the fundraising drive ‘Hack, Hike or Bike for HAPPA’ or book a visit to Shores Hey Farm.

For further details of how you can help, donate, or book a visit to Shores Hey Farm head to the website www.happa.org.uk  or call 01282455992.