Horses rescued from being cruelly smuggled abroad are progressing well

The group of frightened horses and ponies we rescued from being illegally smuggled out of Dover port to an unknown fate – continue to make good progress. Following their rescue, the group known as the Dover 26 were brought to our Norfolk rescue and rehoming centre, where they have been receiving specialist care and tailored rehabilitation plans to aid them on their road to recovery.   

The vulnerable group were rescued after they were discovered by authorities crammed on a transporter, 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. After their initial assessment, one had to be put to sleep to avoid any further suffering and subsequently another three were in such a poor way, they also had to be put to sleep. 

Despite their traumatic journey and unknown treatment at the hands of their smugglers, the group has made a remarkable recovery and are progressing well, thanks to our charity’s dedicated team.   

Of the group of young colts and fillies, mare and geldings – all of various ages – there were three stallions and five pregnant mares. Four foals were born at our centre after the group’s arrival, and Pompey, Montana, Cole, and Emily, were weaned at the start of this year. Their mums, Daisy, Hannah, Ada and Molly Malone, will all be given a period of rest before they are assessed for rehoming later this year together with another mare whose foal sadly did not survive. 

We’re delighted that nine of the group have been rehomed and (at the time of writing) another seven are available to rehome now, with their roles ranging from project pony to non-ridden companion.  

With all of the horses and ponies, our biggest challenge has been not having a medical history for any of them or knowing what their experience was before coming into our care. However, thanks to our amazing team at Hall Farm we are confident the rest of the group will be rehomed once they have completed their rehabilitation.  

The case of the Dover 26 highlights the harsh realities faced by the thousands of animals caught up in the illegal trade of horses. We continue to share the information and evidence that our researchers have gained over the years about this trade with UK policy makers to ensure policies and laws are progressed in the UK that will put an end to horse smuggling.  

The seven Dover 26 horses now up for rehoming have joined more than 65 other horses and ponies who are also currently ready to find loving, new homes. As the largest equine rescue and rehoming charity in the UK, we rehabilitate and find new homes for approximately 300 horses every year. The challenging economic climate continues to put pressure on the need for our services and, coupled with this, we have seen the costs of caring for our horses rise – rocketing from an average of £5,000 to over £7,000 to nurse each horse from the moment of rescue through to rehoming. This won’t stop us helping horses in need, but we can only do that with the help of our supporters and our rehomers. 

For more information on the rehoming process and to explore the possibility of welcoming one of our horses into your home, visit our rehoming website.