Abandoned Shetland pony Little John finds new home at HAPPA

HE may be little but an abandoned Shetland pony has brought a big smile to the faces of his new owners at a Briercliffe animal charity.

The Horses And Ponies Protection Association head office received a complaint in November from a woman in Bishop Auckland expressing her concern for the welfare of a Shetland pony she had discovered while walking her dog. The following day HAPPA welfare officer David McCormick attended and was saddened by what he found.

“I was led to a very large forest area and a grove that was completely hidden from view. Once inside the clearing,

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“I saw a miniature Shetland tied to a tree trunk by a length of washing line. There was no sign of any water available to the animal or any empty containers to suggest any water had been supplied to it. In addition, there was no evidence of any type of food left for him. “The complainant went on to inform me she had found the pony tied up five days previously and no one had been to tend to it. She also added it was a pure fluke she found the pony.”

After the pony was treated by vets and confirmed by police it was not stolen, Mr McCormick arranged for the pony to be transported to HAPPA’s Rescue Centre in Briercliffe.

Although still under veterinary care, Little John as he has been named, has settled into his new home and has enjoyed a safe and secure Christma. The statutory waiting time has now elapsed and no one has come forward to claim him. As a result he has now become the property of HAPPA and is recovering well.

Anyone wishing to support Little John or any of the other rescued HAPPA animals can make a secure online donation at www.happa.org.uk or send a cheque to HAPPA, Shores Hey Farm, Blackhouse Lane, Briercliffe, Burnley, Lancashire, BB10 3QU or call 01282 455992.

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