11 Horses & A Foal Rescued From Llangynidr Common

A team of eight Redwings staff including welfare veterinary surgeon Nicola Berryman attended to offer their expertise in both assessing the condition of the horses and rounding up the horses. Nicola commented:

“The 3,500 acre common meant the operation did indeed prove quite a challenge, but it is a real testament to our senior field officer Julie Harding and her team that we were able to round up and load the horses in a calm and controlled manner – especially when considering the horses’ condition and that they were largely unhanded.”

Concerns for the welfare of the group had been raised previously following which Redwings’ senior veterinary surgeon and Head of Welfare and Behaviour Nic de Brauwere together with RSPCA inspector Christine McNeil attended the site prior to the rescue operation to assess the group. 

During the rescue and following clinical assessment by Redwings’ vet and an external vet, three horses were subject to welfare concerns and the RSPCA are subsequently appealing for information to find their owner. All horses were removed on authority of the Powys County Council using the Control of Horses (Wales) Act.

Since their rescue, all horses have been signed over into the permanent care of Redwings and will therefore have a home for life at the Sanctuary.

Commenting on the rescue, Redwings Chief Executive Lynn Cutress said:

“We have been working to help horses on the Welsh commons for many years and I’d like to say a huge well done to my team for their fantastic work in this rescue operation. 

Although our Sanctuary is fit to bursting – we currently provide daily care to over 1,500 permanent residents – we are delighted to be able to offer this group a home at Redwings. We also hope to give those that are fit and well enough to find loving homes outside the Sanctuary the opportunity to join our rehoming programme, which will in turn enable us to continue to help more horses in need. However, for those who cannot be rehomed, they will always have a happy forever home within the safety of our Sanctuary.” 

Following the Llangynidr Common rescue, Redwings assisted the RSPCA and Caerphilly County Council in the removal of eight horses from Gelligaer Common. These horses are subject to welfare concerns and therefore currently under the care of the RSPCA while investigations into their ownership are carried out. 

To support Redwings in their care of the eleven horses and foal rescued from Llangynidr Common, you can donate via their website www.redwings.org.uk/donating or by texting “HORS30 £5” to 70070. 

For more information about Redwings’ rehoming programme visit www.redwings.org.uk/rehoming. 

If you have any information regarding the ownership of the horses, please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.