First cohort of ‘Dover 26’ horses prepared for rehoming

5 ponies who had been among the many “Dover 26” rescued from an overloaded transporter in Kent are actually prepared to seek out their new houses.

The horses had been found crammed onto the transporter final autumn. Of the 26 on board, solely 19 had the required paperwork for the journey.

Many had well being points, no less than one was contaminated with equine influenza, and World Horse Welfare believes that some had been destined for a European slaughterhouse. One was in such poor situation that she needed to be put down.

The rescued equines had been taken to World Horse Welfare’s Corridor Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, the place they’ve been cared for and undergone rehabilitation programmes.

The charity mentioned the group has made “a outstanding restoration” and 5 mares – Crocus, Dior, Cunning, Heyday and Mair – are actually able to be rehomed.

“I keep in mind so clearly the arrival of the Dover 26, they had been so frightened and so they’d clearly all been by way of a harrowing expertise,” mentioned Lizzie Fowl, assistant farm supervisor at Corridor Farm.

“Quickly after they arrived, we discovered that the group was carrying equine influenza and the outbreak pressured the farm to enter lockdown whereas the horses had been handled.

“Since then, we’ve got labored exhausting to construct their belief in individuals with cautious dealing with and devoted care. We’re delighted that the primary of the group are able to rehome.

“All 5 mares deserve a second probability in a house with a sympathetic rehomer the place they’ll really feel protected and safe.”

H&H lined how the case highlighted the methods wherein weak equines can fall by way of the cracks in a information story this summer time. The case additionally featured on the RTÉ Investigates documentary Horses – Making a Killing in June.

A World Horse Welfare spokesman added: “The case of the Dover 26 highlights the cruel realities confronted by the 1000’s of animals caught up within the unlawful commerce of horses.

“Yearly, 1000’s of horses are subjected to lengthy and gruelling journeys throughout the UK and Europe, pressured to expertise terrible circumstances, as they’re smuggled in the direction of an unknown destiny. World Horse Welfare has lately launched a marketing campaign to induce supporters and animal-lovers to write down to their MPs to verify they communicate out towards horse smuggling within the UK parliament.”

For data on the marketing campaign, go to the World Horse Welfare petition web page

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H&H senior information author

Lucy is an skilled information journalist, reporter and presenter. Since becoming a member of the Horse & Hound crew in 2015, Lucy has reported from main international sporting occasions together with the Tokyo Paralympic Video games and a number of European Championships, in addition to Badminton, Burghley and London, to call a couple of. She has lined present affairs and sports activities information throughout the total spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, in addition to human and equine welfare, trade information and courtroom instances.