New Betty
Rescued: October 23, 2015
Passed away: October 25, 2015

In November 2015 we were contacted by a resident concerned about this mare’s skeletal state, and we immediately encouraged the woman to report the matter to the police so we could act.

After a coordinated effort between Seprona animal welfare officials in Valencia and our local branch in Guardamar, Rod was officially given permission to seize the horse.

He rushed the 150 kilometres from Rojales to Rotglà y Corberà on October 23 in a bid to save her, as well as a malnourished donkey named Braveheart who was also found on the property.

New Betty had been left to forage rubbish on a piece of wasteland. She was absolutely skeletal and very weak but she survived the trip, a long three-hour drive.

A veterinary inspection back at our centre revealed she was also three months’ pregnant and suffering a degenerative condition causing her back pasterns to collapse.

We gave her food, water and love. But two days later, she lay down and couldn’t get up, she was just too week. We tried everything we could for her but sadly she passed away with the stress of it all. It’s just heartbreaking.

The positive side is that we can see our work starting to have an impact across Spain. People are going to the police and the police are acting, even connecting with our local officers to allow us to legally get involved. That’s a hell of an achievement.

This also proves just how important it is to report any cases of suspected animal cruelty or abuse to police. It’s only with the help of police that we can act.