Pony rescue charity fights for its future after vandal attacks
AN ANIMAL rescue charity may be forced to close within months of opening at a new site after a wave of vandal attacks.
Pony Rescue, which rehabiliates and rehomes neglected and injured steeds, moved to Bagworth less than nine months ago.
In that time, it has been hit by vandals no fewer than 11 times and suffered £6,000 worth of damage.
The latest attack, which is being investigated by Leicestershire Police, saw a metal gate to the site’s car park welded shut the night before a family fun day was to be held on Saturday.
Although some family activities went ahead, the main fundraising event - a car boot sale - had to be cancelled, and many stallholders turned away as there was no access to the on-site car park.
The welded gate also prevented shared access to the village allotments by elderly and disabled plot holders who need vehicle access.
Pony Rescue director Craig Thompson said: “This latest attack has dramatically hit our fundraising on which we rely.
“We had over 100 car booters booked in and when they were all paying £5 for a pitch that is an immense amount of much needed revenue we have lost out on.”
The event raised £175 towards funds for a defibrillator to be put up for public use in Bagworth but the charity, which had paid for advertising and hired extra toilets for the day, made a loss.
Mr Thompson said: “Pony Rescue is on the verge of having to close if the crimes continue.”
Anyone with information about the welded gates is asked to contact the police on 101 and quote crime reference number 16000254395.
Pony Rescue also runs a care farm offering vulnerable people the chance to take part in daily farm activities with a range of other animals.
To find out more visit www. ponyrescue.co.uk or follow on Facebook.