Equine, rural and wildlife crime: Keeping the countryside safe police talk with Q&A

An event will be held to help people understand what they can do to combat animal abuse and rural crime.

It is a unique not done before session at Barnhill Donkeys Retreat with the police who will be talking about equine abuse, rural crime and wildlife matters.

Barnhill Donkeys Retreat, at Shap, hit the headlines earlier this year when three donkeys were dumped on its doorstep in just a few days.

The sanctuary contacted police after it said it was the worst case of cruelty and neglect it had ever seen.

One of the donkeys could not walk due to the condition of her feet, was malnourished and had lice.

Donkeys are regularly dumped on its doorstep and following the latest incident, Barnhill’s Linda Gilbert and the team wanted to do something about it.

She asked the police if they would hold a question-and-answer session for people to learn more about the issues around equines and animal cruelty.

Cumbria police’s PCSO John Nicholson will be at Barnhill on Sunday July 19 between 3pm and 4pm.

He will be joined a vet from Frame & Swift to give advice about signs of cruelty, abuse and neglect.

The free event will give people the chance to hear about crime prevention, microchipping, passports, the law about riding on the road for riders and drivers, how to report a crime or neglect of animals and/or wildlife and what to look for.

Linda said: “This is an excellent opportunity to meet the police and ask questions about equines, wildlife, and rural crime and how to help prevent it.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming as many people as possible and the event is suitable for all ages.

““It’s a opportunity to hear answers to a range of pre-submitted questions. If you have a question you would like answering, please let me know.”

It is free to attend, there will be refreshments, local home-made tray bakes, lemon drizzle cake, and much more. Donations towards this will be welcome.

Barnhill Donkeys Retreat has rescued and rehomed over 300 donkeys since it was set up in 2003.