South West Equine Protection

SWEP (South West Equine Protection) is a charity, formed due to the demand for a locally based society, to follow up reports and requests for help from members of the public and organisations concerned about the welfare of any equine, whether moorland, privately owned or abandoned. If it is found that the animal is suffering, either from deliberate cruelty, neglect, ignorance, accident or abandonment, it is rescued (taken into care) by SWEP. SWEP is active in Devon and Cornwall (UK) and works in partnership with other organisations such as the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary (including Horsewatch), ILPH, DEFRA, Dartmoor & Bodmin Moor Commoners Associations, Dartmoor National Park and other animal welfare groups.

Rescues

SWEP is "not" an animal sanctuary - it does not house its rescues on its own premises after rehabilitation. When an animal is rescued, it is signed over to SWEP on a legally binding contract and remains the property of the charity for the remainder of its life. The animal receives the veterinary attention and rehabilitation it requires to make a full recovery - no matter how bad the original condition or how long recovery takes.

Rehoming

When the animal is fit and well, it is rehomed on a loan scheme. The loan home is initially inspected and the animal is signed over on a loan contract requiring the animal to be checked by SWEP twice a year, to ensure that the required welfare standards are met.

Campaign Issues

One of SWEP's aims is to encourage responsible ownership - this includes moorland equines as well as domestic horses and ponies. Ownership of freely roaming moorland ponies is often difficult to establish, which can allow unscrupulous owners to escape their responsibilities. SWEP is campaigning for a registration scheme for equines on common land. Another campaign issue is to reduce road traffic accidents, caused when ponies (and sheep and cattle) roam upon the roads that cross the moors. In addition to its various campaigns, SWEP aims to educate both equine owners and non owners regarding equine welfare best practice and public reporting of welfare concerns.

Funding

SEP has a subscription membership of approximately 300, with a small team of volunteers caring for the rescued animals, organising fund raising activities and events and providing administrative support. It is managed by a small team of Trustees. All management and staffing is unpaid and all money raised goes to care for the animals, directly (feed, bedding, veterinary bills, etc.) or indirectly (insurance, transport, utilities, etc.). SWEP welcomes donations, bequests and sponsorship from the public and from business.

External links

* [http://www.swep.org.uk SWEP - Official site]