ILPH sanctuary for neglected horses

Eleven of the 84 neglected horses and ponies rescued from a farm at Buckinghamshire have been taken under the wing of the Snetterton-based International League for the Protection of Horses.

The ILPH deputy chief executive Tony Tyler said: “We have received countless calls and emails from people offering their support in housing some of the horses removed from this appalling situation, and we are extremely grateful for all these offers.”

The ILPH and another Norfolk equine charity, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, responded to an appeal by the RSPCA, which also found 31 dead horses, ponies and donkeys when they were called to the site in Amersham.

“The horses have been split between a number of welfare agencies, including the ILPH, so the immediate housing problems have been dealt with,” Mr Tyler said.

“However, large cases like this do put a strain on our yards as they are dealing with an increased number of horses, many of whom need intense and specialist care.

The ILPH believes it may cost up to £66,000 to nurse the animals their care back to health.

“We currently have horses and ponies ready to be re-homed through our loan scheme from our centres in Norfolk, Lancashire, Somerset and Aberdeenshire, and finding homes for these animals will help us deal with these recent admissions.

“If you are able to take a horse or pony on loan, please visit the ILPH loan scheme pages at www.ilph.org/hls.”

A spokesman for the RSPCA said that it was likely that the charity would seek a prosecution of the horses' owner.

The British Horse Society expressed horror at the scale of the cruelty. BHS welfare senior executive Lee Hackett said: “The horse welfare community is deeply shocked by the extent of what has happened in Buckinghamshire.

“We wholeheartedly condemn any mistreatment of horses and ponies.”

Thames Valley Police have charged James Gray, 44, from Amersham, with criminal damage and assault on a police officer. He was due to appear before Aylesbury magistrates this week.