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‘Smuggled’ pregnant mare gives birth after being rescued
The mare and foal have been named after the founder of World Horse Welfare.
The horse was one of 26 animals found in Dover. 

The last of five pregnant mares rescued after they were discovered by authorities in Dover, Kent, has given birth to a healthy foal.

The mare was one of 26 horses and ponies, dubbed the Dover 26, who were abandoned at a holding yard. It is believed that the horses were being smuggled and may have ended up in a European slaughterhouse.

Only 19 of the animals had the necessary paperwork and many of them had health issues which made them unfit to travel. One of them was in such a poor state it had to be euthanised.

Since the rescue, the animals have been looked after by the charity World Horse Welfare at Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Snetterton, Norfolk. The mare has been named Ada and the filly foal Cole, after Ada Cole, the founder of World Horse Welfare.

The charity has created a #StopHorseSmuggling pledge for supporters to sign to urge decision makers to crack down on the illegal trade.

Megan Jarvis, a groom at Hall Farm looking after Ada and Cole, said: “These two are the lucky ones as they have a bright future ahead of them and once Cole has been weaned our charity will ensure they are found loving new homes.

“I can’t bear to think about all the other horses that aren’t as lucky as them and having to go on even longer journeys in worse conditions. I, for one, will be signing the pledge and hope that others will join me in doing the same.”

Although the Dover 26 were rescued, nobody has faced legal action over the incident.

Kim Ayling, senior public affairs officer at World Horse Welfare, said: “Unfortunately due to the lack of information to be able to properly trace the background of the Dover 26 movements before being discovered, it has made a possible prosecution quite challenging.

“We have approached all of the local authorities who could have taken legal action and none of them have wanted to take that forward.”

The charity’s pledge can be signed here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.