In a heartening display of cross-charity cooperation, a team of welfare organisations successfully rescued eight equines from a perilous situation in rural south Wales just days before Christmas.
A Complex Operation in Challenging Conditions
The Donkey Sanctuary spearheaded the urgent mission after receiving a request for support from the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust in Carmarthenshire. The operation was triggered by the death of the animals' owner, leaving six mules, a Shetland stallion, and a pony mare living on an exposed hillside with minimal shelter from the harsh winter elements.
Responding swiftly, The Donkey Sanctuary mobilised fellow members of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC). A dedicated team of nine from their own ranks, including Donkey Welfare Advisers, a vet, a lorry driver, and care staff, joined forces with personnel from Lluest, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, and a vet from Redwings.
Collaborative Efforts Secure a Safe Outcome
The rescue presented significant logistical challenges. The equines, particularly the six unhandled mules, required careful management. To ensure everyone's safety, specialist handling pens were essential. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary provided one set, while World Horse Welfare supplied a second set remotely, a contribution described as vital for the operation's success.
One mule was found with severely overgrown hooves, necessitating immediate veterinary assessment and specialised farriery care. Despite the difficult terrain and weather, the collaborative team worked efficiently to secure all eight animals.
Animals Now Safe and Receiving Care
The operation concluded successfully, with all equines safely transported to the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust. There, they are now receiving the urgent care, shelter, and behavioural support they desperately needed.
Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary and a NEWC Director, praised the collective effort. "This was a complex operation in challenging conditions," she said, "but thanks to the collective teamwork, experience and compassion of several organisations, the mules and ponies will now benefit from immediate care." She highlighted the ongoing commitment, noting The Donkey Sanctuary would continue to offer advice during the mules' rehabilitation.
Dionne Schuurman, Equine Manager at Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, emphasised the critical timing of the rescue. "These mules and ponies were living in extremely exposed conditions at one of the harshest times of year," Schuurman stated. "We’re incredibly grateful to The Donkey Sanctuary and our fellow welfare partners for their professionalism, compassion, and teamwork."
This pre-Christmas rescue stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when animal welfare organisations unite, sharing resources and expertise to protect vulnerable creatures in their hour of need.
