KENT NEWS: Actress Jenny Seagrove has become the latest celebrity to make a special plea to stop the slaughter of 50 sick and abused horses.
The Judge John Deed star made the emotional appeal at an awards ceremony at the House of Lords, where owner of The Horse Refuge Sara Ross was commended for her work with neglected animals.
Mrs Ross and her husband have until next month to raise £600,000 to buy their rented farm, or the horses they care for could be shot.
X Factor’s Simon Cowell, TV scriptwriter Carla Lane and Heather McCartney, the eldest daughter of Beatle Paul and his late wife Linda, have already given their support.
But the pressure is on, with just weeks before the eviction deadline.
“We’re still hoping for a miracle,” said Mrs Ross. “I’m trying to stay optimistic, but if these horses are slaughtered it will be the end of the world for us. It’s ironic that we’ve been given an award for our work and yet we may have to close.”
Mrs Ross said people have been very generous. So far The Horse Refuge has raised £215,000, but £385,000 is still needed to save the horses and 30 other animals.
The Wetnose Animal Aid International Awards at the House of Lords saw British actress Seagrove presenting Mrs Ross with an award and pleading to the audience for help.
The Horse Refuge, at Dobells Farm in Wittersham, near Tenterden, is home to Duke, the tallest horse in Europe. But the future is uncertain for the famous 6ft 7in giant, due to problems with his leg.
Mrs Ross said: “It’s not just him; many of these animals are too sick or traumatised to travel. A lot will lose their lives if we don’t find this money, but we can’t even think about that – it’s too upsetting.”
See www.thehorserefuge.org or call 01797 270555 to donate.
POSTED: 20/03/2010 16:00:00
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