Equine charity Bransby Horses has become the victim of theft and vandalism. The contents of its wishing well have been stolen and 13 in memorial plaques have been damaged.
“As a charity we rely solely on support from donations to keep the charity going, so any loss of income through theft or damaged caused due to vandalism has a huge detrimental impact,” said a statement from the charity.
“Many regular visitors know that we have a wishing well on site near our children’s play park and we encourage visitors to donate spare change and make a wish. We are sad to report the contents of our wishing well were recently stolen. The incident took place while we were closed to the public so there is also the issue of trespassing, both of which have been reported to the police.”
The statement added that this loose change adds up to a considerable amount of money, which is vital funding for the charity’s rescue and rehabilitation work.
“Not only is it distressing to know someone would go to these lengths to steal from a charity, but the spare change people toss into the well soon adds up and provides essential funding to help us continue our work rescuing and rehabilitating equines in need,” it said.
The charities in-memoriam plaques are for its supporters to remember their loved ones, providing them with somewhere special to visit. Vandals kicked some of the plaques to the floor, while others were scratched and no longer legible.
“It is heartbreaking to know someone has attacked these plaques,” said the statement. “Furthermore, there is a cost involved to fix or replace the plaques and as you can imagine, this completely unforeseen spending will have an impact on the charity’s finances.”
The charity has been in contact with supporters affected by the damage and is working to fix or replace any damaged plaques, as well as taking steps to discourage any further acts of vandalism.
“It goes without saying that we are deeply saddened by these events and are treating the matter seriously, working with the local police.”
Anyone with information about the incidents should get in touch with the charity by calling 01427 788 464 or emailing mail@bransbyhorses.co.uk. Alternatively, contact Lincolnshire Police directly.
Find out more about the charity and how you can donate here.
