The British Horse Society condemns the return of Amersham
Horses
The British Horse Society has expressed its outrage at the
decision to return 29 donkeys and Shetland ponies to the family
at the centre of the recent rescue operation at Spindles Farm
in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
The January rescue of more than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys
from the premises of Jamie Gray was one of the largest equine
welfare operations ever to have take place in the United Kingdom.
It saw many different horse welfare organisations working
together to seize and subsequently rehabilitate the animals
involved.
The decision made at Oxford Magistrates Court to return 29
of the ponies and donkeys to the Gray family, and to have
the remainder of the animals sold at public auction, has come
as a huge blow to all of those involved with the operation
and to everybody who is concerned about horse welfare.
BHS Welfare Senior Executive Lee Hackett said: “The
BHS is shocked and disappointed by the decision to return
a number of horses to the Gray family.
”Whilst we recognise that the trials of those charged
in this case have yet to take place, the terrible condition
of the animals at the time they were rescued should have been
enough to ensure that they remain safely in the care of rescue
organisations.
”This will be devastating news to everybody who has
been involved in the care and rehabilitation of these animals”.
Mr Hackett continues: “The decision to sell the remainder
of the horses, ponies and donkeys at public auction is as
mystifying as it is disappointing.
”We are appalled that these animals will now be put
in a position where their future welfare cannot be guaranteed.
”We fully support the RSPCA’s argument that they
should be allowed to supervise the re-homing of these horses
to approved homes where knowledgeable and responsible people
will care for them. This is the absolute least that these
animals deserve.”
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