Introduction
MLHR was born out of love and compassion and each day we try to rescue as many animals in need as we can and to further the precious bond which exists between them and us. We are, as always, in awe of the beauty and the diversity of the natural world and we promise to do all within our power to protect its weakest members, to give a voice to those without a human voice and to champion the rights and needs of all creatures who just happen to not have been born in a human body.
Over the years since we rescued our first two horses in 2011 we have seen the depth of courage and resilience which keeps each rescued animal surviving against the steepest of odds in some of the worst situations imaginable. As always, we are humbled by it.
We’ve been witness to the most amazing of recoveries and proud to have been part of that journey with our friends. Because yes, these animals are our friends, not our property. Legally they may be under our care but to us they are so much more. They are MLHR, they are the reason for our existence, they have taught us so much and we owe them so much in return.
We’ve also shared the darker moments together, when we could do nothing more than hold them, love them and help them depart this world knowing that they have been loved, even if it was for the briefest of moments.
The friendships that have sprung up over the years between the MLHR folk, both human and animal have been funny and heart-warming and it's beautiful to see friendships between the unlikeliest of pairs develop.
Each and everyone of our friends have influenced our policies, their experiences and their journeys have cemented our beliefs in what is right and what is wrong. Each time we see one of our horses running gleefully in the fields or one of our goats coming up to us for a cuddle or see the dogs and pigs running around together in the yard, we know that our policies on animal welfare must reflect what the animals themselves would write if only they could.
Policy on bringing companion animals into your life.
Having animals in our lives can be highly beneficial to us and to our mental health and stability.
For many people, home is not home without their companion animals.
MLHR strongly urges that all companion animals be obtained from responsible animal rescues or your local animal pound or a reputable breeder. In the latter case it is essential that you see the animal in the place of his/her birth AND with their birth mother. Always try and see the birth father too if possible and if in any doubt as to the reliability of the breeder or the conditions in which the animal is being reared, walk away and report them to the relevant authorities.
We believe very strongly in responsible animal ownership and though we use the word ‘ownership’ we do so to signify being accountable for all the needs and the well-being of the animal and not in relation to the animal being treated like a material possession. Companion animals deserve to be treated as part of our families and it is necessary to realise that they are a life-long commitment. You must ensure that you have both the financial means and the facilities to look after them and to give them the life they deserve as a beloved member of your family.
All dogs and cats must be neutered and spayed and receive yearly vaccinations as treatment against preventable diseases.
It is also important to ensure that your companion animal has sufficient human company and the companionship of other animals of their own kind if necessary.
MLHR is opposed to the following surgical procedures on dogs and cats as we consider them unnecessary and cruel:
tail docking of dogs
ear cropping of dogs
de barking of dogs
de clawing of cats
Lastly we highly recommend the micro-chipping of all cats and dogs. We must start moving towards a society which takes the registering of all animals seriously and as a matter of acceptable ownership behaviour. In the awful incident that your dog or cat may go missing or is stolen, a micro-chip may well be the deciding factor in ever finding them again. It’s a small price to pay for the return of your beloved family member.
Policies on Keeping Equines
Equines are highly social, herd animals. They communicate their emotions and intentions through body language and vocalization. Anyone handling them needs to understand and be able to read their body language and it is vital to make any training experience a positive one.
They are wonderful creatures but require knowledgeable and responsible owners who will engage with them in a calm and empathetic way.
MLHR is opposed to the breeding and/or keeping of equines by owners who do not have the knowledge, skills, facilities or financial resources to adequately provide for their well-being and welfare at all times.
All equines must be micro-chipped and passported under Irish law. MLHR is opposed to any identification methods such as Freeze branding and Hot branding.
We believe whole-heartedly in the Five Freedoms and it is essential that equines are able to express normal patterns of behaviour and be free from fear and distress in their daily lives.
They must have access to the following on a daily basis:
Shelter
Fresh water
Grazing linked to a proper diet to maintain health and vitality
Companion animals i.e other horses or donkeys
They must be checked on at least once a day and preferably twice to avoid the possibility of injury or succumbing to illness.
All equine owners must have their own vet to contact in case of illness, injury and for regular vet checkups.
Equines, like humans, need good dental care throughout their lives. Sometimes dental issues are mistaken for bad behaviour so liaise with your equine dentist as to how many visits are needed for your equine.
Equines need adequate farrier treatment. Maintaining good hoof care is essential for their health and well-being. The whole weight of the equine is borne by the soles and sides of the hooves and hoof issues can lead to permanent problems. We do not support the riding of Donkeys or any of their hybrids so the following information on shoeing is primarily for horses.
Barefoot can be very beneficial for horses as it encourages the flow of blood up their legs with the ‘frog’ area of their hoof acting like a ‘second heart'.
It is very important to have a qualified barefoot farrier to look after the horse.
MLHR does not support the shoeing of horses under 4 years of age as their feet and tendons are still growing and developing. There are of course certain circumstances when corrective or specialised shoeing is needed for younger horses and also for donkeys.
Worming
We have an extensive worming programme for each individual horse, pony and donkey which starts from when they arrive at the farm and enter quarantine. We also obviously have specific worming programmes for the pigs, goats, dogs and cats.
Each equine requires different worming depending on the age and state of health when he/she arrives. We strictly monitor our worming throughout the year and collect FEC’s, fecal egg counts from each equine to assess the success of our worming programmes.
When any of our equines arrive in a state of severe weight loss or scouring we take bloods and have them tested to prepare the right course of worming. In these situations we always consult with our vets especially in the case of young foals. Every year we take in many unwanted and dumped foals, sometimes only a few days or weeks old. Many are already struggling against a huge worm burden by the time we reach them and are also underweight and often quite ill. Getting their health back on track is vital before starting their worming programme and it is often
a delicate balance between improving their health and the need to start worming. Once we decide worming can begin we start a much gentler worming programme for them.
Preparing Horses for Riding
We only begin preparing and training our horses for riding from age 4.
Horses themselves have a highly developed tactile sensation all over their body and so are very sensitive to the slightest movement of their rider/handler. Every horse is different and it is quite important to start gently, lightly back them at first and then give them a break. Otherwise horses, like humans, can get bored and restless with too much training all at the same time. It could take from three weeks to three months but the important thing as always is patience and then if necessary, more patience.
Tethering
MLHR is opposed to the practice of tethering horses and donkeys i.e attaching an equine by a length of rope or chain for grazing for long periods of time.
All equines should have access to securely fenced fields and not be tethered at the side of the road, in council estates, in front or back gardens, alongside canals or rivers or any other insecure area.
Whipping
By definition whipping implies excessive use of force.
MLHR is opposed to the use of whips other than as a gentle cue to a horse from the rider or trainer. Whips used in any other manner can cause bruising and inflammation. They are cruel and are proven to be an ineffectual way to make a horse go faster or to get them to do what you want them to do.
Whips can be viewed as an extension of your arm or leg so not as something that is to be used in anger or for discipline. Understanding your horse is key, as is making sure that he/she understands what you’re asking them to do. If you haven't clearly indicated to them what you’d like them to do then it seems quite unfair to punish them for their lack of understanding.
If MLHR could give one piece of advice to horse owners it would be to have patience and, if required, still more patience. Horses are highly intelligent creatures with excellent memories. They understand our words and our emotions and they remember us. If we take the time to get to know them rather than just trying to master them we will be rewarded with the most loyal and loving of relationships.
Sale of animals online
MLHR is opposed to the offering of animals online as ‘free to a good home.’ These animals may end up with owners who neglect, misuse and abuse them or use them in illegal activities such as dog-baiting. We strongly advise people instead to contact their local rescues with any unwanted animals.
MLHR is also opposed to the offering of equines or any other animals as prizes at fairs, raffles etc.
There is no guarantee these animals will end up with responsible owners or in good homes. Animals are not objects to be used as prizes but sentient beings with a wide variety of needs and emotions and should be treated accordingly.
Racing
MLHR supports all initiatives which aim to further the health and welfare of horses used in sporting events.
We believe that horses who are no longer capable of competing in their chosen field should be allowed to retire comfortably and that arrangements for this outcome be put in place well in advance of it. We want to see horses cherished and loved well beyond their days as champion winners.
We are opposed to the slaughter of horses for reasons which include but are not limited to, being unwanted, old-age, injury (which is repairable).
We are opposed to the slaughter of horses in Ireland for use in the meat production industry and we are also opposed to the exporting of live horses abroad for the same purpose.
Policy on Hunting
MLHR is opposed to the hunting of animals with dogs or any other animals.
We are opposed to the hunting of deer, fox, hare, rabbit, badgers and mink. We are also opposed to hare coursing.
Hunted animals experience unnecessary and substantial suffering.
We do not consider subjecting any animal to this experience to be acceptable as a form of sport or entertainment nor indeed a necessary cultural or communal activity.
MLHR does not agree with relying on hunting as a means of culling an animal population. This has for years been the default response.
Instead we believe in increased funding for conservation bodies and a science based management of wildlife.
MLHR (Draft) Policy on Euthanasia
My Lovely Horse Rescue focuses on the Rescue, Rehabilitation, Retraining and Rehoming of the equines that come into our care.In very rare cases, we are confronted with a decision to euthanise an animal either in our care, or one we have been called to attend upon. This is an extremely difficult decision for the volunteers and the organisation as a whole – but our policy is always that the animal comes first. We never employ euthanasia as a form of population control. If an animal has a good chance at life and wellness, we give them that chance.
There are however, circumstances under which we will consider the use of veterinary intervention to end an animal’s life:
· Incurable or progressive disease that is causing the animal ongoing severe pain
· Chronic or severe lameness that is causing the animal severe pain
· Inoperable colic
· Foals or young animals born with serious defects
· Severe debilitation in old age to the extent that the equine or animal is in severe pain
· Severe traumatic injury
· Undue suffering for any reason
In all cases – whether dealing with an emergency situation, chronic pain condition, or a long-term illness – MLHR volunteers will consult with a team of veterinarians, reviewing all the available medical information to fully understand the horse’s current condition and future implications as well as discussing available treatment and care management options.
Choosing whether, or when, to end a beloved animal’s life is not a decision we will ever take lightly; the decision to euthanize, or induce a painless death, is never made without careful consideration.
MLHR Pig policy
Pigs have changed all of our lives at MLHR.
Few people get the opportunity of getting to know a pig in real life. We’ve all been so lucky to do just that and all of our wonderful pigs have made a deep impression on our hearts. They have such individual characters and it has been so much fun getting to know each of them.
Pigs are very clean, very clever and incredibly social creatures with excellent memories.
They suffer so much in our present day society and we hope to shine a light on their lives and be an advocate for a brighter future for them.
Good pig welfare relies upon providing your pigs with the means to be physically healthy :
Good nutrition
Comfortable housing
Providing vet care when necessary
Good handling i.e. low stress transportation, positive reinforcement based treatment, positive interactions
Providing for your pigs innate behavioral needs i.e. the ability to carry out foraging behaviours such as investigating, nosing, rooting, chewing
Poor pig welfare occurs when there is a conflict between the pigs natural needs and their care and/or environment. All pigs must be allowed to have basic positive experiences through the ability to express play and social behaviour, to forage and explore and for sows to express nesting behaviour and interact with their young.
We assess every pig when they are surrendered or rescued on a ‘quality of life’ basis.
A good quality of life for a pig relies on
We also protect our older pigs with degenerative illnesses from the trauma of losing their faculties by euthanizing them before their quality of life is impaired.
Euthanasia is carried out by our pig vets using sedation followed by lethal injection and always with one of us by their side until the end.
MLHR Equine Adoption Policy.
Ensuring a loving and suitable home for our equines is a huge priority for us, especially given the lives that many of our equines have lived before they reach the MLHR farm. We are extremely protective of each and everyone of them and when we see them finally graduate from the farm ( something that may take a few years depending on age and health/behavioural issues ) to their forever homes it is a really proud moment for all involved.
Our criteria for adoption include :
●Previous equine experience – preferably that the person has previously owned equines. Where this is not the case, they must have had experience working with and caring for them. For riding horses we require evidence of ability/experience
●Appropriate facilities – to include both land and shelter. We would need appropriate fencing (no barbed wire), natural shelter and good pasture (i.e horse appropriate – ragwort free, not horse sick) Shelter can be constructed field shelters or barns or loose boxes or stables. Fresh running water is a necessity.
●An Equine Premises number or a herd number to which equines have been added.
●A relationship with a vet and farrier – so that we know who will be seeing to the ongoing care of the adopted horse, pony, donkey or mule.
●A commitment to the financial support required – for vet, farrier, equine dentist, bedding, feed, transport, land rental etc.
●A horse can never be rehomed if they are to be kept on their own. All equines need company from their own kind – either existing horses in the home of the prospective adopter, or two horses will be rehomed together (there is also the possibility of fostering one of our horses with the adopted horse)
●The person applying to rehome an equine must be over 18 years of age
●If the horse is being adopted for a young rider, we need to discuss with the parent/guardian what plans are in place once the rider outgrows the horse.
All of our adopted equines remain in the name of MLHR. The new adopters will officially be the owners but we reserve the right to keep the equine’s passport in the name of MLHR as a safety net in case the circumstances of the adopter change. Our equines deserve lifelong love and commitment. We owe them safety and sanctuary and a forever home. We keep the passport in our name simply to ensure this and to prevent our equines being sold/passed onto homes we have not been able to check and vouch for. We also do this to ensure we know where our equines live at all times. They were once part of the MLHR family and that is a bond that stays with them for life.
If the terms of the Adoption Agreement are broken in any way, MLHR reserves the right to seek legal redress.
MLHR Foster Policy
Our foster network are quite simply the most amazing people. They allow us to continue to rescue by freeing up space on our farms and giving our rescues the chance of love and care in a family home environment. We offer both long and short-term foster and make every attempt to match the equine with a suitable fosterer.
Our criteria for fostering include :
●Previous equine experience – preferably that the person has previously owned equines. Where this is not the case, they must have had experience working with and caring for them. We don’t foster riding ponies except in the case that the fosterer has agreed to help train the horse for us.
●Appropriate facilities – to include both land and shelter. We would need appropriate fencing (no barbed wire), natural shelter and good pasture (i.e horse appropriate – ragwort free, not horse sick) Shelter can be constructed field shelters or barns or loose boxes or stables. Fresh running water is a necessity.
●An Equine Premises number or a herd number to which equines have been added.
●A relationship with a vet and farrier – so that we know who will be seeing to the ongoing care of the fostered horse, pony, donkey or mule.
●A commitment by MLHR to the financial support is offered – for vet, farrier, equine dentist, bedding, feed, transport.
●A horse can never be rehomed if they are to be kept on their own. All equines need company from their own kind – either existing horses in the home of the prospective fosterer, or two horses will be fostered together
●The person applying to foster an equine must be over 18 years of age
MLHR was born out of love and compassion and each day we try to rescue as many animals in need as we can and to further the precious bond which exists between them and us. We are, as always, in awe of the beauty and the diversity of the natural world and we promise to do all within our power to protect its weakest members, to give a voice to those without a human voice and to champion the rights and needs of all creatures who just happen to not have been born in a human body.
Over the years since we rescued our first two horses in 2011 we have seen the depth of courage and resilience which keeps each rescued animal surviving against the steepest of odds in some of the worst situations imaginable. As always, we are humbled by it.
We’ve been witness to the most amazing of recoveries and proud to have been part of that journey with our friends. Because yes, these animals are our friends, not our property. Legally they may be under our care but to us they are so much more. They are MLHR, they are the reason for our existence, they have taught us so much and we owe them so much in return.
We’ve also shared the darker moments together, when we could do nothing more than hold them, love them and help them depart this world knowing that they have been loved, even if it was for the briefest of moments.
The friendships that have sprung up over the years between the MLHR folk, both human and animal have been funny and heart-warming and it's beautiful to see friendships between the unlikeliest of pairs develop.
Each and everyone of our friends have influenced our policies, their experiences and their journeys have cemented our beliefs in what is right and what is wrong. Each time we see one of our horses running gleefully in the fields or one of our goats coming up to us for a cuddle or see the dogs and pigs running around together in the yard, we know that our policies on animal welfare must reflect what the animals themselves would write if only they could.
Policy on bringing companion animals into your life.
Having animals in our lives can be highly beneficial to us and to our mental health and stability.
For many people, home is not home without their companion animals.
MLHR strongly urges that all companion animals be obtained from responsible animal rescues or your local animal pound or a reputable breeder. In the latter case it is essential that you see the animal in the place of his/her birth AND with their birth mother. Always try and see the birth father too if possible and if in any doubt as to the reliability of the breeder or the conditions in which the animal is being reared, walk away and report them to the relevant authorities.
We believe very strongly in responsible animal ownership and though we use the word ‘ownership’ we do so to signify being accountable for all the needs and the well-being of the animal and not in relation to the animal being treated like a material possession. Companion animals deserve to be treated as part of our families and it is necessary to realise that they are a life-long commitment. You must ensure that you have both the financial means and the facilities to look after them and to give them the life they deserve as a beloved member of your family.
All dogs and cats must be neutered and spayed and receive yearly vaccinations as treatment against preventable diseases.
It is also important to ensure that your companion animal has sufficient human company and the companionship of other animals of their own kind if necessary.
MLHR is opposed to the following surgical procedures on dogs and cats as we consider them unnecessary and cruel:
tail docking of dogs
ear cropping of dogs
de barking of dogs
de clawing of cats
Lastly we highly recommend the micro-chipping of all cats and dogs. We must start moving towards a society which takes the registering of all animals seriously and as a matter of acceptable ownership behaviour. In the awful incident that your dog or cat may go missing or is stolen, a micro-chip may well be the deciding factor in ever finding them again. It’s a small price to pay for the return of your beloved family member.
Policies on Keeping Equines
Equines are highly social, herd animals. They communicate their emotions and intentions through body language and vocalization. Anyone handling them needs to understand and be able to read their body language and it is vital to make any training experience a positive one.
They are wonderful creatures but require knowledgeable and responsible owners who will engage with them in a calm and empathetic way.
MLHR is opposed to the breeding and/or keeping of equines by owners who do not have the knowledge, skills, facilities or financial resources to adequately provide for their well-being and welfare at all times.
All equines must be micro-chipped and passported under Irish law. MLHR is opposed to any identification methods such as Freeze branding and Hot branding.
We believe whole-heartedly in the Five Freedoms and it is essential that equines are able to express normal patterns of behaviour and be free from fear and distress in their daily lives.
They must have access to the following on a daily basis:
Shelter
Fresh water
Grazing linked to a proper diet to maintain health and vitality
Companion animals i.e other horses or donkeys
They must be checked on at least once a day and preferably twice to avoid the possibility of injury or succumbing to illness.
All equine owners must have their own vet to contact in case of illness, injury and for regular vet checkups.
Equines, like humans, need good dental care throughout their lives. Sometimes dental issues are mistaken for bad behaviour so liaise with your equine dentist as to how many visits are needed for your equine.
Equines need adequate farrier treatment. Maintaining good hoof care is essential for their health and well-being. The whole weight of the equine is borne by the soles and sides of the hooves and hoof issues can lead to permanent problems. We do not support the riding of Donkeys or any of their hybrids so the following information on shoeing is primarily for horses.
Barefoot can be very beneficial for horses as it encourages the flow of blood up their legs with the ‘frog’ area of their hoof acting like a ‘second heart'.
It is very important to have a qualified barefoot farrier to look after the horse.
MLHR does not support the shoeing of horses under 4 years of age as their feet and tendons are still growing and developing. There are of course certain circumstances when corrective or specialised shoeing is needed for younger horses and also for donkeys.
Worming
We have an extensive worming programme for each individual horse, pony and donkey which starts from when they arrive at the farm and enter quarantine. We also obviously have specific worming programmes for the pigs, goats, dogs and cats.
Each equine requires different worming depending on the age and state of health when he/she arrives. We strictly monitor our worming throughout the year and collect FEC’s, fecal egg counts from each equine to assess the success of our worming programmes.
When any of our equines arrive in a state of severe weight loss or scouring we take bloods and have them tested to prepare the right course of worming. In these situations we always consult with our vets especially in the case of young foals. Every year we take in many unwanted and dumped foals, sometimes only a few days or weeks old. Many are already struggling against a huge worm burden by the time we reach them and are also underweight and often quite ill. Getting their health back on track is vital before starting their worming programme and it is often
a delicate balance between improving their health and the need to start worming. Once we decide worming can begin we start a much gentler worming programme for them.
Preparing Horses for Riding
We only begin preparing and training our horses for riding from age 4.
Horses themselves have a highly developed tactile sensation all over their body and so are very sensitive to the slightest movement of their rider/handler. Every horse is different and it is quite important to start gently, lightly back them at first and then give them a break. Otherwise horses, like humans, can get bored and restless with too much training all at the same time. It could take from three weeks to three months but the important thing as always is patience and then if necessary, more patience.
Tethering
MLHR is opposed to the practice of tethering horses and donkeys i.e attaching an equine by a length of rope or chain for grazing for long periods of time.
All equines should have access to securely fenced fields and not be tethered at the side of the road, in council estates, in front or back gardens, alongside canals or rivers or any other insecure area.
Whipping
By definition whipping implies excessive use of force.
MLHR is opposed to the use of whips other than as a gentle cue to a horse from the rider or trainer. Whips used in any other manner can cause bruising and inflammation. They are cruel and are proven to be an ineffectual way to make a horse go faster or to get them to do what you want them to do.
Whips can be viewed as an extension of your arm or leg so not as something that is to be used in anger or for discipline. Understanding your horse is key, as is making sure that he/she understands what you’re asking them to do. If you haven't clearly indicated to them what you’d like them to do then it seems quite unfair to punish them for their lack of understanding.
If MLHR could give one piece of advice to horse owners it would be to have patience and, if required, still more patience. Horses are highly intelligent creatures with excellent memories. They understand our words and our emotions and they remember us. If we take the time to get to know them rather than just trying to master them we will be rewarded with the most loyal and loving of relationships.
Sale of animals online
MLHR is opposed to the offering of animals online as ‘free to a good home.’ These animals may end up with owners who neglect, misuse and abuse them or use them in illegal activities such as dog-baiting. We strongly advise people instead to contact their local rescues with any unwanted animals.
MLHR is also opposed to the offering of equines or any other animals as prizes at fairs, raffles etc.
There is no guarantee these animals will end up with responsible owners or in good homes. Animals are not objects to be used as prizes but sentient beings with a wide variety of needs and emotions and should be treated accordingly.
Racing
MLHR supports all initiatives which aim to further the health and welfare of horses used in sporting events.
We believe that horses who are no longer capable of competing in their chosen field should be allowed to retire comfortably and that arrangements for this outcome be put in place well in advance of it. We want to see horses cherished and loved well beyond their days as champion winners.
We are opposed to the slaughter of horses for reasons which include but are not limited to, being unwanted, old-age, injury (which is repairable).
We are opposed to the slaughter of horses in Ireland for use in the meat production industry and we are also opposed to the exporting of live horses abroad for the same purpose.
Policy on Hunting
MLHR is opposed to the hunting of animals with dogs or any other animals.
We are opposed to the hunting of deer, fox, hare, rabbit, badgers and mink. We are also opposed to hare coursing.
Hunted animals experience unnecessary and substantial suffering.
We do not consider subjecting any animal to this experience to be acceptable as a form of sport or entertainment nor indeed a necessary cultural or communal activity.
MLHR does not agree with relying on hunting as a means of culling an animal population. This has for years been the default response.
Instead we believe in increased funding for conservation bodies and a science based management of wildlife.
MLHR (Draft) Policy on Euthanasia
My Lovely Horse Rescue focuses on the Rescue, Rehabilitation, Retraining and Rehoming of the equines that come into our care.In very rare cases, we are confronted with a decision to euthanise an animal either in our care, or one we have been called to attend upon. This is an extremely difficult decision for the volunteers and the organisation as a whole – but our policy is always that the animal comes first. We never employ euthanasia as a form of population control. If an animal has a good chance at life and wellness, we give them that chance.
There are however, circumstances under which we will consider the use of veterinary intervention to end an animal’s life:
· Incurable or progressive disease that is causing the animal ongoing severe pain
· Chronic or severe lameness that is causing the animal severe pain
· Inoperable colic
· Foals or young animals born with serious defects
· Severe debilitation in old age to the extent that the equine or animal is in severe pain
· Severe traumatic injury
· Undue suffering for any reason
In all cases – whether dealing with an emergency situation, chronic pain condition, or a long-term illness – MLHR volunteers will consult with a team of veterinarians, reviewing all the available medical information to fully understand the horse’s current condition and future implications as well as discussing available treatment and care management options.
Choosing whether, or when, to end a beloved animal’s life is not a decision we will ever take lightly; the decision to euthanize, or induce a painless death, is never made without careful consideration.
MLHR Pig policy
Pigs have changed all of our lives at MLHR.
Few people get the opportunity of getting to know a pig in real life. We’ve all been so lucky to do just that and all of our wonderful pigs have made a deep impression on our hearts. They have such individual characters and it has been so much fun getting to know each of them.
Pigs are very clean, very clever and incredibly social creatures with excellent memories.
They suffer so much in our present day society and we hope to shine a light on their lives and be an advocate for a brighter future for them.
Good pig welfare relies upon providing your pigs with the means to be physically healthy :
Good nutrition
Comfortable housing
Providing vet care when necessary
Good handling i.e. low stress transportation, positive reinforcement based treatment, positive interactions
Providing for your pigs innate behavioral needs i.e. the ability to carry out foraging behaviours such as investigating, nosing, rooting, chewing
Poor pig welfare occurs when there is a conflict between the pigs natural needs and their care and/or environment. All pigs must be allowed to have basic positive experiences through the ability to express play and social behaviour, to forage and explore and for sows to express nesting behaviour and interact with their young.
We assess every pig when they are surrendered or rescued on a ‘quality of life’ basis.
A good quality of life for a pig relies on
- Being in charge of their own body - able to stand up, move away from their sleeping area to urinate/defecate, get themselves a drink and explore their environment
- Having an interest in their environment, eagerness to explore outside of their sleeping areas, nosing, rooting, chewing, foraging
We also protect our older pigs with degenerative illnesses from the trauma of losing their faculties by euthanizing them before their quality of life is impaired.
Euthanasia is carried out by our pig vets using sedation followed by lethal injection and always with one of us by their side until the end.
MLHR Equine Adoption Policy.
Ensuring a loving and suitable home for our equines is a huge priority for us, especially given the lives that many of our equines have lived before they reach the MLHR farm. We are extremely protective of each and everyone of them and when we see them finally graduate from the farm ( something that may take a few years depending on age and health/behavioural issues ) to their forever homes it is a really proud moment for all involved.
Our criteria for adoption include :
●Previous equine experience – preferably that the person has previously owned equines. Where this is not the case, they must have had experience working with and caring for them. For riding horses we require evidence of ability/experience
●Appropriate facilities – to include both land and shelter. We would need appropriate fencing (no barbed wire), natural shelter and good pasture (i.e horse appropriate – ragwort free, not horse sick) Shelter can be constructed field shelters or barns or loose boxes or stables. Fresh running water is a necessity.
●An Equine Premises number or a herd number to which equines have been added.
●A relationship with a vet and farrier – so that we know who will be seeing to the ongoing care of the adopted horse, pony, donkey or mule.
●A commitment to the financial support required – for vet, farrier, equine dentist, bedding, feed, transport, land rental etc.
●A horse can never be rehomed if they are to be kept on their own. All equines need company from their own kind – either existing horses in the home of the prospective adopter, or two horses will be rehomed together (there is also the possibility of fostering one of our horses with the adopted horse)
●The person applying to rehome an equine must be over 18 years of age
●If the horse is being adopted for a young rider, we need to discuss with the parent/guardian what plans are in place once the rider outgrows the horse.
All of our adopted equines remain in the name of MLHR. The new adopters will officially be the owners but we reserve the right to keep the equine’s passport in the name of MLHR as a safety net in case the circumstances of the adopter change. Our equines deserve lifelong love and commitment. We owe them safety and sanctuary and a forever home. We keep the passport in our name simply to ensure this and to prevent our equines being sold/passed onto homes we have not been able to check and vouch for. We also do this to ensure we know where our equines live at all times. They were once part of the MLHR family and that is a bond that stays with them for life.
If the terms of the Adoption Agreement are broken in any way, MLHR reserves the right to seek legal redress.
MLHR Foster Policy
Our foster network are quite simply the most amazing people. They allow us to continue to rescue by freeing up space on our farms and giving our rescues the chance of love and care in a family home environment. We offer both long and short-term foster and make every attempt to match the equine with a suitable fosterer.
Our criteria for fostering include :
●Previous equine experience – preferably that the person has previously owned equines. Where this is not the case, they must have had experience working with and caring for them. We don’t foster riding ponies except in the case that the fosterer has agreed to help train the horse for us.
●Appropriate facilities – to include both land and shelter. We would need appropriate fencing (no barbed wire), natural shelter and good pasture (i.e horse appropriate – ragwort free, not horse sick) Shelter can be constructed field shelters or barns or loose boxes or stables. Fresh running water is a necessity.
●An Equine Premises number or a herd number to which equines have been added.
●A relationship with a vet and farrier – so that we know who will be seeing to the ongoing care of the fostered horse, pony, donkey or mule.
●A commitment by MLHR to the financial support is offered – for vet, farrier, equine dentist, bedding, feed, transport.
●A horse can never be rehomed if they are to be kept on their own. All equines need company from their own kind – either existing horses in the home of the prospective fosterer, or two horses will be fostered together
●The person applying to foster an equine must be over 18 years of age
