‘Dover 26’ – first ponies ready for new homes

Five ‘Dover 26’ mares are now looking for new homes

Five ponies, including a ‘tiny young’ filly, who were discovered crammed on a transporter alongside twenty-one other frightened and vulnerable horses are now available for rehoming through World Horse Welfare.

The ‘Dover 26’ as they are known, were rescued after they were discovered by authorities being illegally smuggled out of Dover port, with some believed to be destined for a European slaughterhouse. Several in the group were found without the necessary paperwork and were suffering from health issues, making them unfit to travel. One was in such poor condition she had to be put to sleep to avoid any further suffering.

The rescued horses and ponies were taken to World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk where they have been receiving ongoing specialist care and tailor-made rehabilitation programmes.

Despite their traumatic journey and unknown treatment at the hands of their smugglers, the group has made a remarkable recovery thanks to the charity’s dedicated team. Now the first five – Crocus, Dior, Foxy, Heyday and Mair – are ready to find loving new homes.

Lizzie Bird, Assistant Farm Manager at Hall Farm, said, “I remember so clearly the arrival of the Dover 26, they were so frightened and they’d clearly all been through a harrowing experience. Soon after they arrived, we found that the group was carrying Equine Influenza and the outbreak forced the farm to go into lockdown while the horses were treated. Since then, we have worked hard to build their trust in people with careful handling and dedicated care. We are delighted that the first of the group are ready to rehome. All five mares deserve a second chance in a home with a sympathetic rehomer where they can feel safe and secure.”

The case of the Dover 26 highlights the harsh realities faced by the thousands of animals caught up in the illegal trade of horses. Every year, thousands of horses are subjected to long and gruelling journeys across the UK and Europe, forced to experience awful conditions, as they are smuggled towards an unknown fate. World Horse Welfare has recently launched a campaign to urge supporters and animal-lovers to write to their MP to make sure they speak out against horse smuggling in the UK Parliament. Take part today by visiting World Horse Welfare’s website.

About World Horse Welfare and its Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre: 

World Horse Welfare runs the UK’s largest equine rescue and rehoming scheme and retains ownership of every horse and pony in its care for life, ensuring they never again become welfare cases. Rehoming is essential to the charity’s mission and every rehomed horse creates space for another vulnerable horse in need.

Visitors are welcome at Hall Farm where they will have the opportunity to meet many of the horses undergoing rehabilitation including the remaining Dover 26 horses. The farm is open to the public from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, plus Wednesdays in school holidays, providing an enjoyable opportunity to see the impact of World Horse Welfare’s work first-hand.

Visit our website: www.worldhorsewelfare.org