Multi-agency welfare operation launched days before Christmas after animals were left exposed following owner’s death
A MAJOR multi-agency rescue operation was carried out in rural south Wales just days before Christmas after six mules and two ponies were found living in harsh, exposed conditions on a windswept hillside.
The operation was led by The Donkey Sanctuary, following an urgent request for help from Lluest Horse and Pony Trust in Carmarthenshire. The animals had been left vulnerable after the death of their owner, with no one able to meet their ongoing welfare needs during one of the coldest times of the year.
With winter weather setting in, equine welfare charities moved swiftly to prevent further suffering. Drawing on support from fellow members of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), a coordinated response was mounted to safely remove the animals and transport them to shelter.
A team of nine from The Donkey Sanctuary — including welfare advisers, a veterinary surgeon, donkey care staff and a specialist lorry driver — worked alongside staff from Lluest Horse and Pony Trust and The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, with veterinary support provided by Redwings.
Given the challenging terrain and the fact that the mules were unhandled, specialist handling pens were required to ensure the safety of both animals and staff. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary transported one set of pens to the site, while World Horse Welfare, though unable to attend in person, supplied a second set — a contribution described as crucial to the success of the rescue.
The animals included six unhandled mules, a Shetland stallion and a pony mare. They had little protection from the elements, and one mule was found to have severely overgrown hooves, requiring urgent veterinary assessment and specialist farriery care.
Following the successful operation, all eight equines were safely transported to Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, where they are now receiving shelter, veterinary treatment and ongoing welfare assessments.
Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary and a Director of NEWC, said the rescue highlighted the importance of collaboration within the equine welfare sector.
She said: “This was a complex operation in very challenging conditions, but thanks to the teamwork, experience and compassion of several organisations, the mules and ponies are now receiving immediate care, veterinary attention and behavioural support at Lluest. The Donkey Sanctuary will continue to offer advice and support throughout the rehabilitation of the mules.”
Ms Bryer added: “Being able to call on fellow NEWC members and share resources and expertise is instrumental in reaching equines in urgent need of help.”
Dionne Schuurman, Equine Manager at Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, said the priority had been to move the animals to safety while minimising stress.
She said: “These mules and ponies were living in extremely exposed conditions at one of the harshest times of year. Getting them to safety quickly and calmly was critical.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to The Donkey Sanctuary and all our welfare partners for their professionalism and compassion. Thanks to this joint effort, all eight equines are now safe, sheltered, and beginning the careful process of assessment and rehabilitation.”
The rescue serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when animal welfare organisations work together — a message that resonates particularly strongly during the festive season.
