Several equine charities, including The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare, the RSPCA, The Donkey Sanctuary, and Redwings Horse Sanctuary, collaborated over 15 months to rescue and protect a semi-feral herd of around 70 Icelandic horses in Devon. Public concerns raised in May 2024 revealed serious welfare issues such as unmanaged breeding, injuries, and high parasite burdens. The horses were gradually removed in a vet-led process, prioritizing the most vulnerable, and by summer 2025 all had been safely relocated for rehabilitation and care.

This multi-agency effort showcased the power of cooperation, combining specialist skills to support both the horses and their owner, who cooperated by signing over the animals in stages. While some horses had to be euthanized due to untreatable conditions, many are now undergoing rehabilitation with hopes for rehoming. The charities urge equine owners struggling with animal welfare to seek help, emphasizing the importance of proper management and early intervention to prevent suffering.