Sadness as Burnley's HAPPA closes its doors to visitors

Burnley's HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) has chosen to close its doors to visitors at Shores Hey Farm, as of Monday March 23rd as a precautionary measure due to the Coronavirus strain COVID-19.
HAPPA staffHAPPA staff
HAPPA staff

The farm in Briercliffe, which has been the charity’s base for over 36 years, is currently home to 48 rescued horses and ponies. HAPPA relies heavily on the support of visitors to its centre to raise much needed income to continue its vital work investigating cruelty and neglect, and this will be a big blow for the charity.

Sarah Arthur, HAPPA’s chief officer, said: “As many of you will know we are in the midst of a global pandemic. We want to reassure all our supporters and friends that during this time the Charity will continue to do everything it can for the horses and ponies in our care, and continue to investigate cruelty and neglect.

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"We have chosen, as a precautionary measure, to close Shores Hey Farm for the time being and will continue to follow Government advice. We wish to protect the health and safety of our staff and volunteers moving forwards and ensure that all the equines at the Centre will receive their full care and rehabilitation programme during these difficult times.

"We hope to reopen our doors as soon as possible, but as yet we just don’t know when that will be."

Shores Hey Farm costs in excess of £20,000 a week to run, HAPPA members, borrowers, those who donate or sponsor, and anyone who visits the farm make up a huge portion of this income allowing the charity to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses, ponies and donkeys.

HAPPA urgently needs to raise this income to continue to give a second chance to the vulnerable, neglected and unwanted.

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Sarah added: “We are asking our loyal followers to help us in any way they can as every donation, subscription or purchase online or over the phone will make a huge difference over the coming weeks. We appreciate that these are challenging times for everyone, every amount will make a difference to our charity over the coming months”.

Visit www.happa.org.uk or call the Team on 01282 455992 (11am-4pm daily) to help.

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