28/05/2025
Press release
Equine charities rally to support animals following sanctuary closure
Led by The Donkey Sanctuary and the National Equine Welfare Council, member charities from around the UK have come together to support the donkeys and horses of Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary, following its decision to close.
Based in the West Midlands, Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary was home to 20 equines - 10 donkeys and one mule, as well as nine ponies and horses.
Founded by Billy Wilson in 1979, the sanctuary provided a place of safety for equines in need for over four decades. Unfortunately, declining health and financial pressures have forced the family to make the difficult decision to close the charity.
Seeking advice about how to ensure the best welfare outcome for the animals involved, Billy’s daughter, Verity, reached out to The Donkey Sanctuary’s welfare team.
Hannah Bryer, Head of Welfare at The Donkey Sanctuary and a Director of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), a coalition of dedicated equine welfare organisations, said: “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.
“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.”
Verity said: “My dad, Billy, started the sanctuary in the late seventies. His health has declined in recent years, and I’ve been managing the care of all the equines on my own for some time. Unfortunately, we no longer have the resources and so we’ve had to make the very sad and difficult decision to close. 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.’’
“Like many equines in charity care, there were health, behavioural, and management factors to consider, which can make rehoming more complex. By working together with members of NEWC and pooling our expertise and resources, we were able to find suitable, long-term solutions for all the equines,” said Hannah.
The equines were safely transported to their new homes by experienced staff from The Donkey Sanctuary.
Two donkeys, Lottie and Gerry, were welcomed into The Donkey Sanctuary’s New Arrivals Unit. Lottie, who has previously suffered from laminitis was found to have some rotation of her pedal bone during her pre admission medical/x-rays. Lottie is now receiving remedial farriery and veterinary treatment. While not suitable for rehoming at the present time, with ongoing support there is hope for her future recovery.
The Donkey Sanctuary has also offered ongoing support to the charities that have taken in donkeys from Tettenhall Sanctuary, including access to laboratory testing and specialist welfare advice, as required.
Following further assessment by a local vet, and with guidance from a welfare vet at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, it was agreed that it was the right time to say goodbye to two horses, Tilly and Benny, who were peacefully put to sleep at home in familiar surroundings.
Due to ongoing health issues, a move to a new location would not be in the best interests of the two remaining horses, Shadow and Pop. They will continue to be cared for at Tettenhall, where they are most comfortable. When the time comes, they will be peacefully put to sleep, whilst the charity formally goes through the process of closing.
Verity said “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. Hannah and her team have also been so kind and supportive in helping me make these very difficult decisions.”
“This was a true team effort. 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,” said Hannah.
Several equine welfare charities stepped forward to offer sanctuary and support for the animals:
• Margaret Green Animal Rescue, Dorset – rehomed Bracken and Poppy
• Bransby Horses – Equine Welfare Charity, Lincolnshire – rehomed Cindy, Augustus and Spike
• Thornberry Animal Sanctuary, South Yorkshire – rehomed Buttons, Jose and Dotty
• Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Somerset – rehomed Jemima and Bertie
• Blue Cross, Oxfordshire – rehomed Pedro and Percy
• Horse Rescue Fund, Norfolk – rehomed Ted and Fuzz
• The Donkey Sanctuary, Devon - rehomed Lottie and Gerry
Ends.
Contacts: For interviews, further images and information please contact The Donkey Sanctuary press office on 07870 849 563 or email [email protected]
Photos: https://we.tl/t-Floa2XbDIs
All photos credit The Donkey Sanctuary
Further information:
Detailed assessments were undertaken by The Donkey Sanctuary and its veterinary team to ensure each donkey and the remaining equines were matched with placements suited to their health, behavioural, and long-term welfare needs. They also engaged a local vet, covering the costs for the donkeys, while Verity funded the veterinary care for the horses and ponies.
Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary covered all costs related to the assessment and care of the horses. Redwings provided valuable support through vet-to-vet discussions regarding the suitability of the horses and ponies for rehoming. This greatly assisted in identifying appropriate placements based on the individual needs of the horses and ponies.
The British Horse Society provided practical support by assisting with the preparation of passports and offered a charitable rate for their processing.
A spokesperson from the Horse Rescue Fund said: "Ted and Fuzz are settling in well and are relaxed in their new surroundings. We would like to thank The Donkey Sanctuary for their support and assistance in the smooth running of the process."
Bransby Horses Welfare Team Manager, Rachel Jenkinson said: “We were well placed at Bransby Horses to support the family group of Cindy, Augustus, and Spike - a horse, donkey and mule group.
At Bransby Horses, we care for horses, donkeys and mules and often support other charities with complex, pair-bonded mixed groups such as this family.
The trio have settled well and will soon be moving out onto the main farm to continue with their behaviour development and to find new friends in the most suitable herds.”
