The Donkey Sanctuary and the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) have combined with several other equine charities to secure the future of a group of donkeys and horses who were set to lose their home following the closure of Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary.

Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary in Wolverhampton was founded by Billy Wilson in 1979 and has been closed in part due to financial pressures, as well as the founder’s ill health.

It was home to 20 equines — 10 donkeys, one mule and nine ponies and horses. 

Billy’s daughter Verity had been managing the care of the equines on her own for some time following her father’s declining health.

This, coupled with financial pressures, led to the family deciding to close the charity and so Verity contacted The Donkey Sanctuary’s welfare team for help and advice.

‘We no longer have the resources’

“Unfortunately, we no longer have the resources and so we’ve had to make the very sad and difficult decision to close,” said Verity.

“It’s a great comfort to have had the support of The Donkey Sanctuary and other charities and to know we are acting in the best interests of the animals my father cared so much about.

“Our vets at Severn Edge have been wonderful in advising us and ensuring all the necessary steps were taken so our equines could leave happy and healthy,” she continued.

“Hannah [Bryer, head of welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary and director of NEWC] and her team have also been so kind and supportive in helping me make these very difficult decisions.”

Charities offer support

Several equine welfare charities stepped forward to offer sanctuary and support for the animals and the equines were transported to their new homes by staff from The Donkey Sanctuary. 

The equines were moved to the following charities:

  • Margaret Green Animal Rescue in Dorset rehomed Bracken and Poppy
  • Bransby Horses in Lincolnshire rehomed Cindy, Augustus and Spike
  • Thornberry Animal Sanctuary in South Yorkshire rehomed Buttons, Jose and Dotty
  • Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Somerset rehomed Jemima and Bertie
  • Blue Cross in Oxfordshire rehomed Pedro and Percy
  • Horse Rescue Fund in Norfolk rehomed Ted and Fuzz
  • The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon rehomed Lottie and Gerry

Two put to sleep

Two horses, Tilly and Benny, were peacefully put to sleep at Tettenhall following veterinary advice.

It was also deemed that due to ongoing health issues, a move to a new location would not have been in the best interests of two further horses, Shadow and Pop, and so they will remain at Tettenhall.

According to a statement sent to Your Horse, the pair will be peacefully put to sleep at a later date.

“Our priority was to work closely with Verity to ensure positive welfare outcomes for the equines in their care and to identify sustainable, long-term solutions that would continue to meet their needs,” said Hannah.

“The closure of Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary highlights the real and significant challenges currently facing charities across the UK.

“Equine welfare organisations are battling rising costs, limited resources, and increasing demand for support.”

Team effort

Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary covered all costs related to the assessment and care of the horses.

Redwings provided support through vet-to-vet discussions regarding the suitability of the horses and ponies for rehoming.

The British Horse Society provided practical support by assisting with the preparation of passports and offered a charitable rate for their processing.

“This was a true team effort,” added Hannah.

“Across our welfare, veterinary, and transport teams — and with the incredible support of fellow equine charities — we ensured that every animal found the best possible outcome.

“It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together.”

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