Crays Hill: Charity rescues ‘unwell’ ponies and donkeys

An investigation has been launched after the property in Crays Hill was raided on Thursday.

Horses and donkeys that were being held on the site, which police say were unwell, have been taken into RSCPA care.

Police posted images of the animals in churned up muddy fields on social media following the morning raid which saw police team up with the RSPCA, veterinarians and charities to rescue the animals.

Basildon councillor Stuart Allen said: “Unfortunately this is something we see from time to time in the area, but I am pleased the RSPCA and police are using their powers to deal with it.

“The council will always support the RSPCA when it decides it needs to step into situations like these and I am glad for their hard work fighting for animals’ rights to health living conditions.”

A veterinarian joined officers and RSPCA staff on the raid and tended to the animals.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “The RSPCA, the police, an independent vet and officers from other horse welfare charities attended a location in Basildon on Thursday.

“A number of horses and donkeys have been removed and are in RSPCA care.

“As this is an active investigation, we are unable to comment further as we are unable to discuss complaints about specific individuals.”

A spokesman for the Essex Police Basildon Team added: “The Billericay and Wickford Community Policing Team worked alongside the RSPCA in Crays Hill. A number of ponies and donkeys were seized under the Animal Welfare Act.

“The animals were of ill health.”

Last year the RSCPA reported Essex was one of the ten cruelty hotspots in England and Wales.

From 2016-2012, the charity has received 2,623 reports of intentional cruelty to animals in the county - making it the ninth highest area for animal cruelty reports.

Topping the newly released list was London, where 8,565 incidents occurred between 2016 and 2020, followed by Manchester, with 4,690 incidents, and West Yorkshire, with 4,216.