Burnley's HAPPA appealing for donations as horse abandonments rise
The threat of closure is hanging over a Burnley animal charity which needs more donations if it is to keep up with soaring costs.
The Horses and Ponies Protection Association at Shores Hey Farm says it is almost at breaking point, as demand for services and associated costs continue to rise.
HAPPA has seen an increase in cries for help from horse owners and landowners struggling to care for their animals amid the cost-of-living crisis.
The charity hopes to raise £100,000 to continue to respond to reports of horses, ponies, and donkeys in distress this winter, but fears it will need to close its doors if it cannot raise enough money.
HAPPA has taken in 24 abandoned and unwanted equines in the past six months. The majority needed immediate veterinary attention and will also require rehabilitation, which is also expensive.
The charity says that this, coupled with an increases in wages, utilities and supplier costs, is putting pressure on its long-term financial stability.
With overall equine welfare costs on the rise, not including care team wage costs, HAPPA needs a staggering £2,000 a week to care for the 45 equines currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Feed and bedding costs have risen by 34.34 per cent in the past year, and veterinary costs by 11.5 per cent.
Amanda Berry, HAPPA’s head of equine operations, said: “Times are hard for everyone right now, and we know it is a big ask to contribute with the current financial climate.
"However, we must act to be able to keep the stable doors open at Shores Hey Farm.
"HAPPA has been saving equines since 1937. Together, we can ensure lives are saved for many more years to come.
“We see horses of all types, who used to feel love, being abandoned and discarded like rubbish, left behind with no microchip, rejected and alone, without food, shelter, or care. Your donation will help us to intervene, give them food, veterinary care, safety and a second chance at life.
“Our horses, such as Marble, Bruno and Maximus, have got that chance due to your support.”
Marble, aged 10, had been purchased by her previous owner as a companion to another horse. However, when the other horse left, she was left in a field with little animal or human interaction, unhandled and uncared for.
Thankfully, a member of the public noticed she needed help, and Marble was taken to HAPPA.
The vet discovered she does not have full vision in her left eye and her teeth are sharp and uncomfortable. She is also UV-sensitive due to her pink skin, and her unique eyes need extra protection from sunlight. Therefore, she must wear a UV mask while out in the daylight.
After dental treatment, Marble is now doing well and has an equine care officer and public sponsors.
Her stablemates Maximus and Bruno were abandoned by their owner who left them on rented land. Thankfully the kind landowners looked after them, but over time they began to struggle to meet the horses’ needs. A caring neighbour then stepped in and contacted HAPPA.
The pair have now made a full recovery and will find new homes via the HAPPA loan scheme.
To donate to the charity, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/abandonment-crisis-fund or www.happa.org.uk. Alternatively, send a cheque made out to Horses and Ponies Protection Association to: Taylor Building, Shores Hey Farm, Blackhouse Lane, Briercliffe, Burnley, BB10 3QU.