Just before Christmas, The Donkey Sanctuary led a collaborative rescue operation involving several equine welfare organizations to save six mules and two ponies living in harsh, exposed conditions on a hillside in rural south Wales. Following the death of their owner, the animals were at risk, with one mule requiring urgent veterinary and farriery care due to severely overgrown hooves. Teams from The Donkey Sanctuary, Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, Redwings, and World Horse Welfare worked together using specialist handling pens to safely capture and transport the equines to the Lluest Trust for shelter and rehabilitation.

This complex rescue highlighted the importance of teamwork, resource sharing, and expertise among National Equine Welfare Council members to achieve positive outcomes for animals in urgent need. Both Hannah Bryer of The Donkey Sanctuary and Dionne Schuurman of Lluest Horse and Pony Trust praised the professionalism and compassion demonstrated, emphasizing ongoing support for the mules’ recovery. The operation serves as a powerful example of how coordinated efforts can effectively address animal welfare challenges, especially during difficult times.