Shock at Amersham decision
| Shock at Amersham decision Redwings is outraged to learn that a number of equines rescued from Amersham in January are to be returned to the farm. On 9 January, Redwings was involved in a large rescue of horses from Buckinghamshire; we took in 21 horses, ponies and donkeys that day for veterinary care including donkey foal Esther. This was an RSPCA-led case involving local Police and other charities including the ILPH, the Horse Trust and the Blue Cross. All organisations concerned worked as a team, and Redwings was pleased to involve 30 of its staff and 8 horseboxes. Our understanding is that on 4 April a judge at Oxford Magistrates Court ruled that 29 ponies and donkeys should be returned to the family's care, whilst another 80 or so are to be sold at auction in May. |  |
We believe that the equines currently in our care are a combination of those to be returned to the farm we collected them from, and those to be sold at auction.
Redwings is shocked at this news, and deeply saddened. Many people have contacted us to echo our feelings; many of our supporters are angry at the decision. The RSPCA has said in a statement that it is "now seek(ing) all legal avenues open to it to contest the court's decision" and we are doing all we can, proactively and reactively, to help.
Redwings has a lot of experience in sending veterinary and horse handling staff, and vehicles, to rescue operations but this has been described by many of the 30 Redwings staff present on 9 January as one of the saddest cases that they have witnessed. Last week's news was therefore understandably difficult for all our veterinary, welfare, horse care, administration and management teams.
Redwings' two senior vets have between them over 35 years of dedicated equine welfare experience and have in this time encountered many complex cases. Their concern particularly extends to the donkeys, the most sensitive of equines.
Despite their despair, Redwings staff will naturally continue to provide the dedicated and specialist care these horses, ponies and donkeys need every day.
We are aware that our supporters are desperate for news or reassurance - and many of you have already been in contact - and just as we did during the rescue we will let you know what we can when we can. We thanked you in January from the bottom of our hearts for your words of support and encouragement, and we thank you again. As always, the future of the equines is our priority as it is yours.
Thank you.
Added on: 09/04/08. Views: 149
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