HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) are asking friends, supporters and followers to get behind a recent rescue that the Charity has undertaken.
The Charity was alerted to the plight of a Shetland pony in a field with long feet back in April of this year. After investigation by HAPPA’s Equine Inspector, Tracy Heaton, the Shetland was located, and Tracy was able to discuss with the owner the action which needed to be taken. On this occasion the owner was fully compliant and immediately booked a veterinary surgeon and farrier to attend the pony.
On a follow up call, it became evident that the owner was struggling to cope with a small herd of Shetland stallions. The upkeep and management of them was becoming a huge challenge. After lengthy discussion about the future welfare and concerns which may arise again, the owner signed the care of all five ponies into the hands of the Charity.
HAPPA’s Head of Equine Operations, Amanda Berry, explains:
“Recognising that help was needed, this owner took the best possible option for these Shetlands and now their future is secure within the Charity’s Rescue Centre based in Burnley, Lancashire.
“Not all cases are about wilful neglect and sometimes people do sadly find themselves in difficult circumstances. We must do what is best in the interest of equine welfare and taking these ponies into HAPPA’s care was the right thing to do for all concerned.”
A rescue operation was undertaken, and the ponies were loaded safely onto awaiting transporters using a penning system. Working in collaboration with World Horse Welfare, who assisted on the day, the roundup of the ponies went smoothly. WHW Welfare Officers, Rachel Andrew and Gilly Howard brought along their pen kit to ensure that the process remained safe and contained. Feral ponies can be a handful to load, and the pen systems are a fantastic tool to keep everyone safe.
Now settled into life at the Charity the five ponies named, HAPPA Archie, Angus, Calum, Duncan and Hamish will be undergoing a number of veterinary treatments, a visit from the farrier and all will need gelding under the Charity’s no-breed policy.
Amanda continues:
“I am glad that we have been able to bring these ponies into Shores Hey Farm, but our veterinary bill is huge at best of times. It is estimated that for wormer, vaccinations, feet trim and gelding for all five ponies will be around £5,000. We could really do with some help at this time and ask all our supporters to get behind our Shetland’s Vet Bill Appeal.
Please give whatever you can afford as every £1 will help us reach our target to help the Shetland ponies in HAPPA’s care and get them on the road to eventually be matched with a Forever Home.”
Visit the HAPPA website or social media to pledge your support or call 01282 455992 or text: Text SHETLAND followed by your donation amount to 70085 to give that amount.
Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from us. If you would like to donate but don’t wish to hear more from us, please text SHETLANDNOINFO instead.
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