Volunteer shortage puts pony rescue charity's future at risk of closure

Operations at Meath's only horse and pony rescue charity may have to cease if appropriate volunteer numbers can not be recruited.

Leinster Horse and Pony Rescue, a voluntary charity based in Trim, also with a base in Dunboyne, is urgently recruiting volunteers for both locations.

LHPR Operations Manager Joseph Quinn explained that volunteer duties include mucking out stables, leading horses in and out, administering medications, administering first aid to injured animals, ground work, grooming, providing hay, feed and water and general yard duties. From time to time opportunities in admin, front line welfare and other specialised roles become available.

Potential volunteers ideally should have at least basic equine experience but an induction, shadowing experienced volunteers and training is provided. Volunteers must be over 17 and own transport is required. LHPR's Trim yard is approx 15 minutes from the 190/111 bus stop and the Dunboyne yard is not on a public transport route.

The charity is currently full to capacity with horses that have been rescued from situations of neglect, cruelty and abuse. "Usually calls to our helpline drop in summer months, but we are currently in a situation where calls are spiking and intakes are at an all time high. We are seeing a lot of ignorance, neglect and cruelty at the moment," said Joseph.

Leinster Horse and Pony Rescue welfare officers work alongside An Garda Síochána, Department of Agriculture officials and local authorities in seizing horses under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. The charity also recently had its first prosecution under animal welfare legislation.

Anyone interested in volunteering should apply through LHPR's website www.leinsterhorseandponyrescue.com and the charity will then be in touch to organise a one hour induction.