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Help Sought for Rescued Horses
Groom Clare running with horse Lulu in paddock (picture courtesy of the RSPCA).
The RSPCA is seeking new owners for 17 of the horses rescued from horse dealer James Gray’s farm near Amersham, Buckinghamshire, in January 2008.

More than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys were removed from horrific conditions at Spindle Farm.  
 
Many of the animals had little food or dry bedding and were crammed into pens, fetlock (ankle) deep in faeces. Other horses had simply been left to die where they fell, others were burned on bonfires, and there was a pile of bones and a skull against an outbuilding.
 
Since then the horses have been lovingly cared for by the RSPCA, The Horse Trust, Redwings and World Horse Welfare. 
 
So far the case has cost the RSPCA £2.3million in legal fees, veterinary bills and the animals’ on-going care. The other charities have footed the bill for the horses they are looking after and are making separate arrangements for their future care2.
 
Now the court case and appeal are finally over, the RSPCA is beginning the search for permanent new homes for horses in its care that are ready to go to new owners. 
 
If you think you have got what it takes to offer a permanent new home to one of these horses please visit www.rspca.org.uk/amersham and complete the application form.
 
RSPCA equine rehoming officer Sally Learoyd said: “These horses have been through a terrible ordeal and we need to find extra special permanent homes for them. We’re looking for patient, experienced owners who have the facilities, time, knowledge and money needed to care for the horses for the rest of their lives. These horses are mostly youngsters, so potential adopters will need to be able to offer a long- term commitment.
 
“The horses are of the type you might expect to find on a dealer’s yard – mostly cob and Shetland types. Some were young, some ancient, some were sound and some wrecked. They were all sick and sorry and in desperate need of our help. Their rehabilitation has been a fascinating journey to witness and a testament to the bravery and patience of horses.”
 

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Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Milk recalled over presence of veterinary medicines

Graham's Family Dairy has issued a recall for its semi-skimmed milk due to the presence of veterinary medicines in the product.

In a risk statement, the Food Standards Agency said the presence of the medicines, including penicillin, make the milk unsafe to consume and 'may be a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to antibiotics'.

Customers who bought the product are advised to return it to the store of purchase for a full refund.